| Description |
2-dimensional wall hanging in the form of a mask, carved from single piece of wood, showing an elongated face with very long nose, large diamond-shaped eyes with cowrie shell inserts, and a distended tongue (a distended tongue is a sign of welcoming); Face and tongue are stained a rust brown, while eyes and chin are stained black; An elaborate headdress tops the face and includes a carved crocodile head painted rust brown, black, white, and brown mustard yellow; A similar figure and motifs are also suspended below the face, with lateral upturned hooks; Reverse side of the carving is stained a rust brown color; A large hole is drilled through the top of the carving to facilitate hanging it on a wall. This carving is an example of more contemporary art being produced purely for the tourist trade and shows many artistic departures from more traditional New Guinea art. |
