RARE MBOTGOTE HELMET MASK TEMES MBALBAL.
Vanuatu; Southwestern Malakula. 19th/20th c.


Wood; plant fibers; earth pigments; boar tusks. In the complex structured groups of men of the Vanuatu numerous and stepped nalawan rituals are typical for introducing individuals in political and religious power structures. This is celebrated in festivals; in which masks like this where used. This type; also called Vimpuri; shows the cannibalistic giant
Nevinbumbaan; carrying her son or husband Ambat Malondr on her shoulders. The mask
is attributed to the Nimangki Society and used in various ceremonies. Height 43cm; width 50cm; depth 41cm. Condition B. Supplement: Small model of the Asaro Mudmen with detachable Helmet mask. Clay; wooden stick. Papua New Guinea. 20th c. H. approx. 19cm. Repaired.

Provenance:
-Collection Detlef Rosen; D黶seldorf

Compare:
-Bradford D. Kelleher (pl): The Pacific Islands; Africa; and the Americas. New York 1987; Fig. 33 shows a similar piece (No. 1979.206.1697) in the Rockefeller Collection of MET.

Info Detlef Rosen CollectionArt trade; Van Ham.