Mei Mask c. 20th century

This Mei Mask was carved by an Iatmul artist in Papua New Guinea, and is made of wood, shell, pigment, and fiber. Masks like this are key to understanding the culture of the Iatmul people, as these art objects are often used in initiations and other ritual contexts. To understand the masks, you have to understand the culture. The mask's patterns and construction create meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Consider, for example, how the elongated nose evokes the beak of a bird. Birds are a common motif within Iatmul art, and often reference certain founding ancestors. Also, note the small shells that line the edges of the mask. Were these traded for? Did they come from a specific region or hold a particular meaning? The social history of art reminds us that cultural objects are intertwined with social practice. In order to understand this object fully, we might also consult anthropological research, oral histories, and any writings that illuminate Iatmul culture.