Big wickerwork mask "didagur" ·  Papua New Guinea - Middle Sepik · ID: 3039364

Description

rattan, pigments, feathers, min. dam., small missing parts, traces of abrasion;
“didagur” masks were used at initiation ceremonies. They appear in both male and female form, at which the male is identified by an overlong nose, just like the present example. The “nose” is interpreted variously, as depiction of an Echidna head, lizard tail or frigate bird. The latter is most likely, for the fregate bird is commonly called “sould bird” all over Oceania, which is why the mask dancer might represent the soul of a deceased person.

Comparing literature

Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 250, ill. 273