Mask
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-masks
Culture
Boiken
Dateearly to mid 20th Century
Made AtEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumCeramic
Dimensions7 1/4 × 7 1/2 × 5 in. (18.4 × 19.1 × 12.7 cm)
Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase
Object number2009.2.1
DescriptionThis mask originates from a Boiken village where documentation and published findings on pottery production have focused on food containers and vessels. Figurative pottery is practically an untouched subject because of the scarcity of these forms; only one other known example of a mask with characteristics similar to the one pictured here is known. Unfortunately, Boiken pottery production is endangered with few potters remaining to carry on the tradition. Men, not women, have been responsible for the creation of ceramic wares, employing the coiling method when constructing bowls and vessels. This mask was also made with a coiling technique to which the nose was later applied in relief.On View
On viewCollections
18th to 19th Century
1920-1930
20th Century
20th century
c. 1940
