Masks of Papua New Guinea

A fascinating variety of ceremonial and ritualistic masks, predominantly made from wood, can be found throughout Papua New Guinea. Masks can also be made of cane and clay, or decorated with shells, tusks, and rope (mainly threaded through nostril apertures).

They can also be of various sizes, from quite small to large decorative pieces about six metres high, either oval or even as totem masks.

They are incredibly expressive and distinctive, of earthy tones or brightly coloured, textual or lacquered. The carving and paint work are also quite intriguing. Some are intended to be fierce and aggressive, while others are representative of ancestors, animals, or for performance.

The photographs were taken at the Ela Beach craft market in Port Moresby.

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