Body Mask Item Number: Ie392 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Tumbuan body mask/costume. A tall conical fibre, woven mask with two faces. At the top is a bird-like face crowned with cuscus fur and cassowary feathers; it has a long, protruding beak with a large feathered tassel at the end. At the centre of the body is a black human head made of clay with inlaid shell eyes and decoration; the top has human hair and feathers. Above are open eyeholes for the wearer, on the sides are armholes. The mask is of woven rattan over a bamboo frame, painted with red and white stripes and other detailing.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Item History
- Made in East Sepik, Papua New Guinea ?
- Owned by William H. Birmingham before March 21, 1980
- Received from William H. Birmingham (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) on March 21, 1980
What
- Name
- Body Mask
- Identification Number
- Ie392
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- cowrie shell, cuscus skin, cassowary feather, clay, bamboo grass, rattan, feather, pigment and hair
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, wrapped, moulded, painted, tied, inlaid and cut
- Overall
- height 126.2 cm, width 49.2 cm, depth 73.1 cm
Who
- Culture
- New Guinea
- Previous Owner
- William H. Birmingham
- Received from
- William H. Birmingham (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- East Sepik, Papua New Guinea ?
When
- Ownership Date
- before March 21, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 21, 1980
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0620/0009