Barag mask
(1960s)
Medium
earth pigments and synthetic polymer paint on wood, fibre, shell
Measurements
77.5 × 30.3 × 15.0 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Todd Barlin through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program, 2007
© the artists
Gallery location
Not on display
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Ramu River, Papua New Guinea
Accession Number
2007.102
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 ancestor 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 pigment and shell. Barag masks are associated with male initiation rituals, yam harvest festivals and hunting magic.