Bakunawa Mask
This mask depicts Bakunawa, the moon-eating serpent responsible for earthquakes, rains, and winds. In the extreme end, he causes typhoons. In his story Earth once had seven moons, and his admiration for them turned into greed. He swallowed all but one, the moon we have today, which was saved by the cries and protests of the people. Every eclipse is an attempt by Bakunawa to swallow the last moon, but each time he is chased off once again by loud raucous festivals.
- Object: Bakunawa Mask
- Artist: -
- Circa: -
- Dimensions: 14.7 in. 6.75 in.
- Culture Area: Asia / Philippines
- Cultural Group: Ifugao
- Cultural Context: This mask is most likely associated with the Ifugao people, a group of wet-rice agriculturalists occupying the mountainous area of northern Luzon, Philippines. They are well known for having maintained their traditions and religions well into the modern day, although in the past they were famed for their head hunting and ancestor worship.
- Donor: Elizabeth Richardson (mother), Maury & Resa Dance
- Catalog #: 115.076