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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Bark Belt
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Bark Belt

Artist/Maker (Artist Unknown)
Dateearly 20th century
Mediumbark, pigment, twine and shell buttons
DimensionsOverall (Coiled): 5 x 8 3/8 in. (12.7 x 21.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation
Terms
    Object number2005.43.27
    DescriptionThe main item of “clothing” worn by Papuan men is a wide belt of incised and painted bark. The owner himself may make such a personal item or he may get an expert to do it or at least help him with finishing touches. Such belts also are given as gifts or used in ceremonial exchanges. The abstract undulating patterns seen here are quite typical of the Papuan Gulf region as are the faces with huge round eyes. They are the bloodshot eyes of a great warrior or sorcerer looking for his enemies. The triangular forehead is darkened for emphasis because the brow is associated with warfare and thunderclouds.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Beau Dick
    1989
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    mid 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Beau Dick
    1997
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Beau Dick
    1997
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamana people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mfengu people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Borana people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Beau Dick
    1988
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Leyda Harris
    ca. 2013
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE