Mask
Keram River, Papua New Guinea
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Kleier collection, Munich, acquired in the 1960’s. Published: East of Borneo, 2019, fig. 40
Masks of this type were used to represent important ancestors of the clan. They were presented to young initiates in important ceremonies in which the inductees were given the necessary knowledge needed to enter the adult world. The hornbill beak on the top of the mask was distinctive symbols related to ancestors, headhunting and warfare. This striking mask is still decorated with most of its original natural pigments. The mask is nicely patinated and shows evidence of many years of use and age.
Mask
Keram River, Papua New Guinea
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Kleier collection, Munich, acquired in the 1960’s. Published: East of Borneo, 2019, fig. 40
Masks of this type were used to represent important ancestors of the clan. They were presented to young initiates in important ceremonies in which the inductees were given the necessary knowledge needed to enter the adult world. The hornbill beak on the top of the mask was distinctive symbols related to ancestors, headhunting and warfare. This striking mask is still decorated with most of its original natural pigments. The mask is nicely patinated and shows evidence of many years of use and age.