BE02 Mask Baining Kavat Gazelle Peninsula New Britain c1951
$2,900.00
Item No. . BE02
Description . A Superb very large and old original Baining Fire Mask collected by an Australian Malaria Control Officer in 1951. These helmet masks are made from pounded bark cloth laid over a bamboo (cane) framework and painted with geometric motifs in black and red. They are used at night during fire dances which serve as initiation rituals (see photo’s) and are dedicated to spirits linked with animals, plants etc from the surrounding forests. This example is similar to the Baining Mask found at the Met in New York except more decorative in its motifs. It is extremely hard to find totally original old masks (with some repairs) rather than the usually seen tourist masks. Large size is 135cm high by 67cm wide.
Size . 135cm (53“) H by 67cm (26″)W.
Price . USD$2900
