mask
Wooden carved mask of male face with carved geometric design. Abalone or Opal inlayed eyes. Label on back reads," Hand carved in New Zealand"
- Object: mask
- Artist: -
- Circa: -
- Dimensions: 11" x 5.25"
- Culture Area: Oceania / New Zealand
- Cultural Group: Maori
- Cultural Context: The Maori are the native or indigenous people of New Zealand. In their culture the art of wood carving is called ‘whakairo rakau’ and throughout their history wood carving has held an important and respected role in their way of life. This mask is called a ‘parata’ which is a head without a body, and carved in a more realistic manner. This mask features ‘paua eyes’ which are made from shells. Paua eyes were used because they reflected the light at night, which made the carvings more lifelike, and people felt they were being looked over when they slept at night.
- Donor: Elizabeth Richardson (mother), Maury & Resa Dance
- Catalog #: 115.156