17th Annual Student Research Conference
Fine Arts
New Guinea mask
Jasmyni Dias
Dr. Sara Orel, Faculty Mentor
One of the items in the E.M. Violette Museum collection is a mask whose origin and even the date in which it came into the collection is unknown. Examination of the features of the mask, such as the cheeks, eyes, and hair, suggest that this mask comes from the Pacific island of Papua New Guinea. The way the face is represented in this object, particularly the way the cheeks are carved to accentuate the cheek bones, shows similarities to their artifacts and face paintings. Color and patterns used are related to artworks from this island nation. Discussion of the mask will include examination of the importance of masks in New Guinea and speculation about the purpose of this particular object.
Keywords: New Guinea, Mask, artifacts
Topic(s):Art History
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 29-4
Location: OP 2210
Time: 2:45