Dance Goggles mask

Coastal Sepik area, Papua New Guinea

6.5 inches diameter

Though unusual, dance goggles of various type are sometimes found in the coastal Sepik region, which is up the coast from Madang Province, past the Ramu River and into Sepik Territory. This example is decorated with shallow carving, dyes, and coated with some kind of varnish. There are also dark brown spots that were burned in, as were the string holes at each end. So far, I have been unable to determine the material. It is strong, somewhat flexible, and quite thin.