Mask (Matua)
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-masks
Date20th Century
Made AtNew Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood, shell, plant fiber, and pigment
Dimensions30 3/4 × 22 × 17 in. (78.1 × 55.9 × 43.2 cm)
Mask (Component A): 15 × 7 × 17 in. (38.1 × 17.8 × 43.2 cm)
Ear panels (Components B & C): 30 3/4 × 7 1/2 × 1 in. (78.1 × 19.1 × 2.5 cm)
Mask (Component A): 15 × 7 × 17 in. (38.1 × 17.8 × 43.2 cm)
Ear panels (Components B & C): 30 3/4 × 7 1/2 × 1 in. (78.1 × 19.1 × 2.5 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2021.7.64a-c
DescriptionThis vibrant mask, known as a matua, was collected from the Malagan people of New Ireland in Papua New Guinea. The inhabitants of the New Ireland are known for their elaborate visual art forms, known as malagan carvings, prepared primarily for the numerous ritual ceremonies that portray the culture’s view of life progression.Similar to tatanua masks, the crest on these masks is made from either an orange or reddish-brown fiber that roughly mimics a hairstyle worn by men in mourning. The wood often comes from lime trees and is lightweight enough that it is ideal for dance masks. Sea snail shells are exclusively used for the eyes of these masks and sometimes as ornaments decorating the remainder of the mask.
On View
Not on viewCollections
mid to late 20th Century
20th Century
late 20th century
late 20th Century
late 20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
