Object Name: Eharo mask

Culture: Elema peoples

Place of Origin: Papuan Gulf, Papua New Guinea

Date/Era:  Early 20th century

Medium/Materials: Barkcloth, plant fiber, wood, human hair, paint, feathers

Credit Line: Gift of the Wellcome Trust.

Accession Number: X65.4344

Eharo masks were used for entertainment and at the same time inspired awe through the reenactment of legends. Made of painted barkcloth stretched over a cane frame, the masks were intended to be humorous. They appeared when the great doors of Elema ceremonial houses were dedicated and were brought to the festivities by visiting guests. The making of these doors was just a small part of the great Elema ritual cycle known as hevehe.

Source: Gallery text, Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives, 2006