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Mask

late 19th–early 20th century
Not on view
Masks are rare in the Solomon Islands and were only regularly made on Nissan, Buka, and Bougainville, the northernmost islands in the archipelago. This boldly painted mask, made of barkcloth stretched over a cane frame and worn over the head like a helmet, comes from the island of Bougainville. Masks similar in some respects to those of Bougainville occur on the nearby island of Nissan, where they represent a dangerous spirit named Kokorra. While the precise significance and imagery of this Bougainville mask is uncertain, the upraised ears, prominent brow ridge, wide staring eyes, and bared teeth indicate that it too may depict a fearsome spirit.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mask
  • Date: late 19th–early 20th century
  • Geography: Papua New Guinea, Bougainville or Nissan Island, Bougainville province, Nissan or Bougainville Island
  • Culture: Bougainville or Nissan Island
  • Medium: Barkcloth, paint, wood, bamboo
  • Dimensions: H. 29 1/2 in. × W. 26 1/2 × D.15 in. (74.9 × 331.5 × 38.1 cm)
    W. 9 1/2 in. at base of mask
  • Classification: Bark-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1967
  • Object Number: 1978.412.1518
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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