Papua New Guinea

Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG

Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG
Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG

Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG

To see more fine oceanic artefacts. This is a beautifully raw organic powerful very old Barak spirit mask from the Murik Lakes, lower sepik region of PNG. It represents a mythical bush spirit called Barak who is called upon for help in both male initiation and hunting. Barak masks exist in male and female form.

Lower Sepik carvings are usually male. Faces are oval with beaked noses and diagonal eyes. Carvers highlight incised geometric detail. In the ceremonial house, offerings of magical substances such as coral and tree bark were made to the Barak spirit to spiritually enliven the mask, together with requests for assistance with fishing and hunting.

The Barak spirit was believed to be able to reveal game to the hunter while simultaneously concealing it from a competing stranger. In Papua New Guinea it is only men who wear masks and they must have been initiated into the cult that produces the mask.

Masks are hidden from women when not in use and are secret. When worn the initiate becomes the spirit the mask represents. Powerful Barak masks were only danced on rare occasions, including the initiation of young males and at times of scarce game and other village hardship. Each individual mask was known by a unique name and was danced by an initiated male concealed in a plant fiber costume. The mask has a striking long mosquito nose with a pointed tip, a concave vaulted facial plane with round eyes, and is carved from hard wood and decorated with natural pigments. Masks are still being used today in New Guinea and are danced during ceremonial occasions. The estimated age of the piece is between 1960s to 1970s.

Pre post weight 4.5 kg. This is not always possible given the sizes and unique packing requirements for each unique piece. Can also insure package if required. STANDS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH ANY ITEM.

Pictures make up part of the description. The item "Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG" is in sale since Thursday, January 7, 2021. This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic\Pacific Islands & Oceania". The seller is "bubble_artefacts" and is located in Wurtulla, QLD.

This item can be shipped worldwide.

  • Originating Region: Papua New Guinea
  • Material: Wood
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Product Type: Carvings
  • Era: 1980's


Stunning Fine Large Vintage Barak Mask, Murik Lakes, Papua New Guinea, PNG