Body Mask
Item number Ie396 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
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
- Name
- Body Mask
- Identification Number
- Ie396
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- pigment, cassowary feather, feather, wood, clay and rattan
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven, wrapped, cut, coated, painted and tied
- Overall
- height 40.0 cm, width 55.5 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- East Sepik, Papua New Guinea ?
Who
- Culture
- New Guinea
- Previous Owner
- William H. Birmingham
- Received from
- William H. Birmingham (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)
When
- Creation Date
- before 1980
- Ownership Date
- before March 21, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 21, 1980
Other
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0620/0013
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