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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Mask
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.

Mask

Artist/Maker (Artist Unknown)
Datelate 19th to early 20th century
Mediumwood and paint
DimensionsOverall: 27 5/8 x 10 x 5 1/4 in. (70.2 x 25.4 x 13.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation
Terms
    Object number2005.43.28
    DescriptionMurik Lake is near the coast just north of the Sepik River delta and is part of the larger Sepik River art tradition. This mask is very typical with its elongated oval face and exaggerated arching nose. Sepik men are quite proud of their large noses and perforate the nasal septum to add ornaments to emphasize its size. The long noses symbolize male genitals and evoke by association the whole spectrum of the aggressive male ethos of the Sepik warriors. Besides phallic associations, the elongated nose can evoke either the crocodiles or the weevil, two important totemic animals. Women with large noses are also considered quite beautiful. Masks can be worn in a variety of ceremonies from initiations to naven. They are frequently described as representing ancestors of the maternal clan come to participate in the communal ceremonies.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ejagham people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lwalu people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Abelam people
    ca. 1945
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Iatmul people
    probably 1st half of the 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Wosera people
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bassa people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamana people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Baulé people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Colima
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE