malangan mask

human history

Winged malangan mask, carved wood (alstonia) painted white, red and black. The eyes are operculum (lid) of the Turbo petholatus; commonly known as the 'cat's eye shell'. In four parts as the two side-winged pieces and the nose piece have come away from the main mask. Wood (alstonia), split bamboo and plant fibre 'beard'. Black cloth shaped as hat with visor.

Accession number: 1929.311 Last Update: 21 Aug 2025
Other Name

mask (English)

Place
New Ireland/Bismarck Archipelago/New Guinea (PRE 1975)
Accession Number

1929.311

Accession Date

1929

Other Id

4366.3 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

Enquire API view