Mosquito mask "parak" · 

Papua New Guinea - Sepik Delta · ID: 3039287

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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.

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Littérature comparée

Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 185

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