Image Gallery: Masks from Melanesia

These particular masks are all from Melanesia. They were chosen for our Spirit Faces display for their diversity in form, design and function. As objects, some link to past practices and living cultures, and their timeless ‘primitive’ nature influenced the 20th century modernist movement and artists such as Matisse and Picasso. As faces, they continue to ‘speak’, inspire, scare and enthrall.

Among mask from Papua New Guinea Among mask from Papua New Guinea
Tumbai mask from Papua New Guinea Tumbai mask from Papua New Guinea
Kanak mask from New Caledonia Kanak mask from New Caledonia
Ceremonial mask from Papua New Guinea Ceremonial mask from Papua New Guinea
Owl head mask from Papua New Guinea Owl head mask from Papua New Guinea
Tumbuan mask from Papua New Guinea Tumbuan mask from Papua New Guinea
Eharo mask from Papua New Guinea Eharo mask from Papua New Guinea
Baining mendaska mask from Papua New Guinea Baining mendaska mask from Papua New Guinea
Over-modelled mask from Papua New Guinea Over-modelled mask from Papua New Guinea
Funerary mask from Papua New Guinea Funerary mask from Papua New Guinea
Tago mask from Papua New Guinea Tago mask from Papua New Guinea
Baba tagwa or baba kumbu mask from Papua New Guinea Baba tagwa or baba kumbu mask from Papua New Guinea
Kovave mask from Papua New Guinea Kovave mask from Papua New Guinea
Susu mask from Papua New Guinea Susu mask from Papua New Guinea
Lor mask from Duke of York Islands Lor mask from Duke of York Islands
Bird mask from Papua New Guinea Bird mask from Papua New Guinea
Carved face from Papua New Guinea Carved face from Papua New Guinea