Kovave mask (E23153)

Parimono, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. Cane, pith, bark cloth, natural pigment, synthetic pigment - Initiates among the Elema people wore these masks in kovave or kaiva kuku initiation ceremonies. The masks also incorporated clan totems, such as a fish, bird or turtle. This example has a storm lamp at its top and, in addition to natural pigments, used Reckitts Blue laundry whitening powder.