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Papua New Guinea - Elema people - Eharo Masks

Elema people (of the Papuan Gulf in southeast New Guinea) practicing an elaborate cycle of masked rituals. These monumental Eharo masks were created primarily for amusement. To the Elema, eharo were "maea morava eharu" ("things of gladness"), and were danced as a prelude to more sacred rituals. Eharo represented supernatural beings (as well as comedic figures), such as lecherous old men and were made and worn by young men from neighbouring villages (at the request of the village hosting the ceremony). As they entered the village, they were pelted with shredded coconut by the women to neutralize their seductive powers! Now rendered harmless, the eharo danced surrounded by large groups of women to the amusement of the assembled crowd. Date: circa 1920s

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

20078100

PACIFIC ISLANDS Melanesia Papua New Guinea Southern Highlands.Tari. Huli Tribemen in traditional costumes with face paint and elaborate feather headdresses for Sing sing Festival

© Nigel Sitwell eye ubiquitous / hutchison

Ethnic, Festivals, Pacific, People

Carved Ancestor Board, Papua New Guinea, mid 20th century (carved and painted wood)

EX107337 Carved Ancestor Board, Papua New Guinea, mid 20th century (carved and painted wood) by Papua New Guinean, (20th century); Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, Devon, UK; it is possible that some works by this artist may be protected by third party rights in some territories.
incopyright but estate undetermined - possible copyright restrictions apply, consult orphan works legislation

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