Body Mask Item Number: Ie396 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Part of a tumbuan body mask/costume. Conical helmet like mask with a very long nose, agape mouth, protruding lower lip, and a woven fringe dividing front from back. Made of rattan woven over a wood frame, it is coated with a thin layer of clay. Has painted tear shapes around the eyes. Painted zigzags on the fringe, and feathers on the lip and nose tip.
History Of Use
Worn to encourage young men at their initiation into men's secret societies and to frighten away the women and children from the initiates.
Iconographic Meaning
The long nose symbolizes male virility. The mask represents a male ancestor.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Item History
- Made in East Sepik, Papua New Guinea ? before 1980
- 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
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
- Creation Date
- before 1980
- Ownership Date
- before March 21, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 21, 1980
Other
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0620/0013