Fiber Mask with Conical Eyes (Batwape)
Arts of Africa
MEDIUM
Burlap, wood, hide, cotton fiber, feathers, seeds, cowrie shells, pigment
DATES
late 19th or early 20th century
DIMENSIONS
28 1/2 x 11 x 12 in. (72.4 x 28.0 x 30.5 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
74.121.3
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Marcia and John Friede
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Mask composed of burlap covering a wooden face-wooden cone shaped eyes and nose protrude through the burlap. On the top of the head and above the eyes, pieces of hide have been sewn with string to the burlap. Extending vertically from the top of the head are brown and beige feathers. Eight cowrie shells decorate forehead, and red seeds decorate area on either side of nose. There are traces of white paint inside eyes. Cloth has been stitched to indicate mouth. Base of mask decorated with raffia. A long narrow strip of hide is attached to the back of the mask.
Condition: Group of feathers on right side of head loose, raffia shedding, hide decoration brittle. Mask rests on modern metal stand with ring at top.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Luntu. Fiber Mask with Conical Eyes (Batwape), late 19th or early 20th century. Burlap, wood, hide, cotton fiber, feathers, seeds, cowrie shells, pigment, 28 1/2 x 11 x 12 in. (72.4 x 28.0 x 30.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Marcia and John Friede, 74.121.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.74.121.3_front_PS5.jpg)
IMAGE
front,
CUR.74.121.3_front_PS5.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2012
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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