Mask, One of a Pair

One of a pair of male and female masks from the Toba Batak people of Sumatra. Male and female pairs of masks were typically used in performances that accompanied funerary rites. These two nearly identical masks are carved from dark brown wood — gender is distinguished by the coiffure, which in both cases is neatly delineated on the highly polished surface by a series of carefully incised lines. This male mask has hair which is combed straight back from the forehead (as distinct from the female mask whose hair is centrally parted). The eyebrows are highlighted with a series of engraved crescent-shaped forms with single angled incisions creating further detail. The other facial features are fully modeled so that the mask is highly naturalistic and life-like. Large round holes pierce right through the mask at the center of the eyes so that the performer might orient himself. The ears project prominently from either side of the head and include a single perforation on each earlobe allowing for the insertion of ear ornaments to further animate the work when being danced.