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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Basketry Mask (Baba)
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.

Basketry Mask (Baba)

Artist/Maker (Maprik region, Middle Sepik River, Papua New Guinea)
Dateca. 1945
Mediumreed, feathers, plant fiber, pigment and encrustation
DimensionsOverall: 12 1/2 x 9 3/8 x 13 1/2 in. (31.8 x 23.8 x 34.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Bernard M. Wagner
Terms
    Object number2004.62.3
    DescriptionBasketry masks are found widely in Papua New Guinea but are particularly associated with the Abelam who probably acquired them from the Mountain Arapesh people they encountered on their migration into the hills north of the Sepik River valley. These masks are associated with the wale, spirits associated with specific locales such as a stream or spring or a particular tract of land. The Abelam wear the basketry masks with a leafy costume and strands of yellow nuts. The masks are associated with the Yam Cult and are said to be pigs as intermediaries between the world of the living and the land of spirits of the dead.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Afikpo people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dan people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ejagham people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Baulé people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dogon 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
    Ogoni people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Chancay
    1200-1450
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ibibio people
    not dated