Mei Mask – Wood – Iatmul – Sepik, Papua New Guinea

The Mei masks of the Iatmul people of New Guinea are not face masks, but are tied to a conical structure made of plaited fibers which covers the head and shoulders of a dancer. While similar in shape, the style and decoration of the masks vary by village throughout the Sepik River region. Mei masks usually appear in male and female pairs representing the ancestral sisters and brothers of a village clan. Each clan owns a pair, and when not in use, they are kept in the clan elder’s house. The masks are also used in battle to frighten enemies into submission, and to impress young boys during initiation ceremonies.

Good condition with traces of wear and tear.

Provenance: former private German collection

Object:	Mei Mask
Ethnic group:	Iatmul
Country:	Sepik, Papua New Guinea
Material:	Wood
Period:	Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:	No
Dimensions:	67x14x8 cm
Weight:	1200 gram
Condition:	Good condition, used with some signs of wear