Flute Mask
Masks in the Sepik region of northeast New Guinea were not always created to be worn on the face. Many groups create, or created, flute masks, such as this example from the Kopar people who live along the lower reaches of the Sepik River. They served as ornaments for sacred flutes, which were important ceremonial instruments in many parts of New Guinea. Masks with long beak-like noses appear widely in Lower Sepik art and predominantly depict powerful spirits. These noses find their supreme expression in Kopar masks, in which the facial features are almost entirely condensed onto a central spike-like nose. Some examples are crowned, as here, by a small bird, possibly representing an eagle, probably a totemic species associated with one of the village clans.
Artwork Details
- Title: Flute Mask
- Date: late 19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Papua New Guinea, Lower Sepik River region
- Culture: Angoram or Kopar people
- Medium: Wood, paint, seeds, fiber
- Dimensions: H. 18 3/4 x W. 4 1/4 x D. 3 1/2 in. (47.6 x 10.8 x 8.9 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Sculpture
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.206.1410
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Sawos people
19th century
Abelam people
19th–early 20th century
Sawos people
19th century or earlier
Yessan-Mayo people
19th–early 20th century
Nyaula Iatmul people
late 19th–early 20th century
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.