Shield
The peoples of the island of New Britain northeast of New Guinea are remarkable for the scale and variety of their ritual arts, which include diverse forms of masks and other ceremonial paraphernalia. Many of the island’s largest and most spectacular art forms are made from ephemeral materials such as plant pith or bark cloth (a paper-like textile made from the inner bark of certain trees). For both day and night dances, the Baining of northern New Britain create imposing bark cloth masks, examples of which are on view here and in the adjoining case. The Sulka people and neighboring groups produce enormous, vividly colored headdresses and dance paraphernalia also made primarily
from perishable materials, although some include durable wood elements. The Tolai people produce a variety of mask forms in wood and fiber as well as dance wands and other ritual paraphernalia. Contemporary New Britain peoples are predominantly Christian, but many of these ritual art forms continue to be created and used alongside, or as part of, Christian religious observances.
from perishable materials, although some include durable wood elements. The Tolai people produce a variety of mask forms in wood and fiber as well as dance wands and other ritual paraphernalia. Contemporary New Britain peoples are predominantly Christian, but many of these ritual art forms continue to be created and used alongside, or as part of, Christian religious observances.
Artwork Details
- Title: Shield
- Date: late 19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Papua New Guinea, New Britain
- Culture: Sulka people
- Medium: Wood, paint, fiber
- Dimensions: H. 50 in. × W. 17 1/2 in. × D. 7 in. (127 × 44.5 × 17.8 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Implements
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.206.1555
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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New Britain
late 19th–early 20th century
Tolai people
late 19th–early 20th century
East New Britain
early to mid-20th century
Sulka people
late 19th–early 20th century
Baining people
1972 or 1973
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