Mosquito mask "parak" ·  Papua New Guinea - Sepik Delta · ID: 3039287

Description

wood, dark brown patina, remains of polychrome paint, striking long nose with pointed tip, a concave vaulted facial plane with tiny see slits, min. dam., small missing parts through insect caused damage, paint rubbed off;
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