Collection
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Arts of the Pacific Islands

Mask (Ges)

19th century

1 of 4

Object Label

This powerful mask probably represents a ges spirit, a potent and, in this case, probably a destructive spirit force that dwells in the bush. These spirits are said to attack humans who inadvertently see them. The protrusion from the mouth of this mask may represent the liver of a ges victim. Another interpretation, however, holds that it is a protruding tongue, warning of danger to anyone who sought to copy the design of the mask. The nosepiece is a subtle and highly abstract version of the theme of bird and snake in struggle, one of the most common themes in New Ireland sculpture and dance performance. The bird is said to represent the spirit world, while the snake represents the world of mortals—two realms locked in an eternal cosmic struggle.

Caption

Mask (Ges), 19th century. Wood, fiber (Turbo petholatus opercula), pigment, 23 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 15 3/4 in. (59.7 x 29.8 x 40 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Frieda and Milton F. Rosenthal, 84.58. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Mask (Ges)

Date

19th century

Medium

Wood, fiber (Turbo petholatus opercula), pigment

Classification

Masks

Dimensions

23 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 15 3/4 in. (59.7 x 29.8 x 40 cm)

Inscriptions

"72.102" is painted in red on the back of the mask and in red on the proper left forehead.

Credit Line

Gift of Frieda and Milton F. Rosenthal

Accession Number

84.58

Frequent Art Questions

  • Where might I find other works like this?

    This object is from our collection of Arts of the Pacific Islands, a collection area that we currently do not have on view.
    The mask, through its imagery, conveys some important cultural beliefs. For example, the highly abstracted imagery of the bird and snake in struggle is one of the most common themes in New Ireland sculpture and dance performance. The bird is said to represent the spirit world, while the snake represents the world of mortals—two realms locked in an eternal cosmic struggle.

  • I love the shape and color! What can you tell me about this object?

    It does have some striking graphic qualities! The mask likely represents a "ges" spirit and was made in Northern New Ireland, in Papua New Guinea. In their culture, the ges spirits were potentially dangerous and believed to live in the bush. One potential interpretation of the red protrusion coming from the mouth area is that it represents the flesh of a victim of the ges. The carving is in the malangaan style, with vivid painted colors and an emphasis on negative space, and was associated with malangaan funerary ceremonies.

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