Tatanua Mask

A fine example of the prototypical tatanua design, the helmet portion of this mask is composed of a rattan frame with a sagittal crest of light brown fibers; the sides are covered with lime plaster sculpted in curvilinear design; the face is carved from soft wood, pierced through at the eyes and mouth. Two opercula from the seashell Turbo petholatus are set in as eyes. The face painted with white, yellow, red and black pigments in classic Malagan designs; a vail of thin bark cloth hangs from the helmet rim. Collection number « 634-82/Hornung(?)/L.949.Nr.4 » written on interior