Description:

South America, Columbia or Brazil, northwestern Amazon, Tucano people, likely Cubeo, ca. early to 20th century CE. This is a fascinating example of a body mask or costume for a funerary ceremony called a "tawu" made from woven bark cloth and palm or raffia fiber tassels over a lightweight wood frame. The piece is worn over the head and the mesh like weave allows the wearer to see through the front. Their torso is covered, their arms fit through sleeves, and the circular hoop waist has lengthy dangling tassels that would cover the wearer's legs. The cloth body is painted with triangular shapes in black and brown pigments and the rounded face has a simplistic drawing of a eyes, nose, and mouth. The Tukano people celebrate the life of the deceased with a 3 day ceremony known as Oyne or "Weepings" where masked dancers embody forest spirits and animals. Size: 35" L x 20" W (88.9 cm x 50.8 cm); 40" H (101.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Wailuku Gallery, Hawaii, USA

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169767

  • Condition: Fair condition, permanent creases and folds, tearing and fraying to bark cloth. Heavy active flaking and shedding to raffia tassels, and we recommend storing in a case. Rare type!

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March 3, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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