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Mask (Bapa Kumbu), early 20th Century
Abelam culture; East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
W…
Mask (Bapa Kumbu)
Mask (Bapa Kumbu), early 20th Century
Abelam culture; East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
W…
Mask (Bapa Kumbu), early 20th Century Abelam culture; East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea Wood and pigment; 18 × 8 1/2 in. 2023.2.4 Gift of Peter and Signe Keller

Mask (Bapa Kumbu)

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-masks
Culture Abelam
Dateearly 20th Century
Collection SiteEast Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
MediumWood and pigment
Dimensions18 × 8 1/2 × 14 1/2 in. (45.7 × 21.6 × 36.8 cm)
Credit LineGift of Peter and Signe Keller
Object number2023.2.4
DescriptionHelmet masks, known as bapa kumbu, are worn over the head by initiated Abelam men during male ceremonial rites. While the vast majority of Abelam bapa helmet masks are made from cane that is coiled, there are a few made from wood, as with this example.
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