kavat mask

Kavat mask for use in the langani ceremony, made of bamboo, bark cloth, and red and black pigment. The kavat is a tree dwelling spirit with bird-like features including a duck-like bill and a crop. The enlarged eyes emphasise the mask's sorrow, and the red and black triangular elements beneath the eye symbolise tears. Papua New Guinea.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
2016.50
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 1275 mm x 350 mm x 690 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
bamboo; barkcloth; pigment
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
LOCATION
SHAREABLE LINK

Continue exploring anthropology

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk