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Semi-circular mask made of a wooden support covered in feathers, in which the perimeter has a row of reeds with feathers sewn between them. The wooden support depicts a face made out of red, blue and brown feathers. The eyes and mouth have been cut into the wood. Shells frame the eyes and under them are two flowers made with multi-coloured feathers from which hang black threads. The mouth has teeth and a fragment of reed tied to the wood through a string. The perimeter feathers are blue except for the central ones, which are red. These kinds of masks are called “big face” and are used by the Tapirapé men in ritual ceremonies. In general, these ornaments have a symbolic meaning, linked to the spirits and supernatural forces. In this case, it represents the Karajá enemies. They are used in the tawa, the final celebration of the cycle of ceremonies which take place at the end of June, where there are performances of the victories achieved by the Tapirapé against their Kayapo or Karajá neighbours.

Details

  • Title: Mask
  • Date: Before 1993
  • Provenance: Brasil
  • Type: Ajuar ceremonial, plumaria
  • External Link: CERES
  • Medium: Pluma, fibra vegetal, concha y madera
  • Photographer: Joaquín Otero Úbeda
  • Cultural context: Tapirapé

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