Male spirit mask "parak" ("barak" / "brag") · Papua New Guinea - Coastal Sepik region · ID: 3050442
sold
EUR 2,200
Provenance
Günther Markert, Munich, GermanyLudwig Bretschneider, Munich, Germany
Munich Private Collection
Size
H: 45 cm
H: 17.7 inch
Description
wood, pigments, collection label “67/d”, rest.
A stylistically and formally very similar mask is published by Meyer, Vol. I, 1995, p. 185, fig. 189. According to Meyer the “parak” spirit is closely involved in the initiation ceremonies of the young-men-to-be and in hunting. The “parak” is thought to reveal the game to the hunter while concealing it from strangers.
Comparing literature
Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 185, Abb. 189