Among mask (E46408)

Raten village, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Clay, shells, rattan, trade beads, dog teeth, pig tusks, cassowary feathers, ceramics - Male initiation ceremonies commonly involve the use of masks and performance. This over-modelled mask (clay and pig fat over wood) represents an ancestors face and the prominent tusks give it the appearance of a pig. Traditional elements and introduced materials, such as trade ceramics, are incorporated into the face. Initiation masks were placed in the mens ceremonial house following ritual use.