Flute Stopper (Wusear)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-flute stoppers

Culture Biwat

Datelate 20th Century

Collection SiteEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

Made AtEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

MediumWood, feather, fiber, shell, (turtle shell?) and possibly copper

Dimensions27 3/8 × 17 1/2 × 18 in. (69.5 × 44.5 × 45.7 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2017.10.81

DescriptionFlute Stopper also known as a wusear from the Biwat people in the Lower Sepik River region, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia. This piece dates back to the late 20th century. This flute stopper was carved out of dark wood into a figure wearing a mask attached to a feather and fiber headdress. This figure also has arms, legs and male genitalia. The features on the oval shaped mask consist of downward narrow mother-of-pearl shell eyes, long forehead, large bird-like nose, small straight lips and ears. The ornaments hanging from the ears consist of rope, tortoise shell, leather and shell slices. It also has a headband before the headdress consisting of leather string woven though small white shells. The mask is perforated around the edge.

On View

On view