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Mask

Ramu Basin, Papua New Guinea
Mask
 (1940s-1950s)

Medium
synthetic polymer paint on wood, shell

Measurements
45.7 × 21.4 × 15.7 cm

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Presented through the NGV Foundation by Todd Barlin, Governor, 2005
© the artists

Reproduction requests

Gallery location
Not on display

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
Ramu Basin, Papua New Guinea

Accession Number
2005.385

Department
Pacific Art

This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation

Physical description
This short-nosed Ramu Barag mask is generally associated with female ancestors just as the long nosed Barag mask is a representation of a male ancestor. The mask is carved in relief and heavily decorated with red pigments and shells. Barag masks are associated with male initiation rituals, yam harvest festivals and hunting magic.

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