Dance Mask
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-masks
Date20th Century
Made AtMorobe Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumTree bark, wood, feather, fiber, paint, dog tooth and shell
Dimensions42 × 10 1/2 × 12 in. (106.7 × 26.7 × 30.5 cm)
depth with feathers: 16 in. (40.6 cm)
depth with feathers: 16 in. (40.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of Irwin and Cecilia Smiley
Object numberF77.40.1
DescriptionThis object is a dance mask from Umboi Island off the northern coast of New Guinea. It would have been danced by a member of a secret society. While worn in ceremonies, it was thought by non-members to represent a spirit who protected society members' property and punished breaches of custom.On View
On view
20th Century
20th Century
