face masks (mask)

Tiriki mask (engoro) associated with initiation and circumscision, made from woven and plaited sisal and a square section of hide, probably goat. A number of chords hang down from the mask to cover the body of the initiate.

Tiriki circumcision mask (engoro), associated with initiation rites for young men. The mask is made for and worn by a particular individual in order to hide their identity, representing existence in a liminal state during the transition from childhood to adulthood. During initiation young men are removed from the community and reside with male elders who teach them knowledge pertaining to adulthood. After initiation such masks are left to decay in the forest.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
1976.313
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 1220 x 205 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
plant cord; hide
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
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Collection Information

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