Mosquito mask "parak" ·  Papua New Guinea - Sepik Delta · ID: 3038655

Description

wood, dark brown patina, black paint, red and white pigment, striking long nose with pointed tip, a concave vaulted facial plane with slanting see slits, incised letters on the forehead “Baltasary”, remains of painting, dam., abrasion of paint, possibly rest. (nose), metal base;
the nose is a reference to a male mythical spirit called “parak”, which is closely involved in the initiation ceremonies of the young-men-to-be and in hunting. As such, 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