Name/Title
Abelam Woven MaskEntry/Object ID
MK_0213Description
Painted basketry baba (spirit) masks, intricately crafted by skilled Abelam artisans in New Guinea's Maprik region, play a significant role in adolescent initiation rites. For the Abelam, these ceremonies mark a young boy’s entry into manhood, with the initiate donning a ceremonial mask as he undergoes a symbolic transformation. Part of the process involves ritual bloodletting, intended to remove the “female blood” inherited from his mother and to prepare him for adulthood. Wearing this plaited rattan mask, the initiate impersonates the spirits of female ancestors, embodying the essence of his heritage.
This recently restored mask features a short horn protruding from the rounded forehead, above an open work flap flanked by ear-like spool projections. Below, two round pierced eyes flank a central nose ridge above a wide raised oval mouth, accented with faded red pigments, creating a striking visual composition. Part of the Mauna Kea's captivating collection of woven Abelam tribe masks, this piece invites guests to consider the rich and nuanced cultural traditions of another island nation across the Pacific.
This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel, but was in storage until 2024, and is now on display for the first time after undergoing an extensive restoration.Made/Created
Place
Region
Maprik RegionCountry
New GuineaContinent
OceaniaDimensions
Height
25 inWidth
18 inLength
13 inLocation
Area
5th Floor AtriumFloor
5th FloorBuilding
Main TowerRoom
Kamani RoomBuilding
HBR Main TowerRoom
Lloyd Sexton Gallery (LSG)Floor
Promenade LevelBuilding
Main TowerRoom
2nd Floor Art Storage RoomFloor
2nd FloorBuilding
Beach Wing