Mask with headdress

Timor, Indonesia

11.5 inches, wood

An especially strong piece carved from a heavy piece of red hardwood that has been blackened to effect the strength of the owner. The Timorese sometimes wear a piece of cloth carefully folded to emulate a crown at formal occasions. This mask would have been carved for ceremonial purposes. The showing of the tongue is quite unusual. Rare.
Timor mask are traditionally used in 2 ways. Those with paddle handles are held over the face as a person sneaks over to a neighbor to take food in times of need. Stealing of this nature is acceptable in Timorese society. Masks without handles are made with scary faces and placed inside the doorway. People with evil intent are unable to pass beneath them, whereas nice people have no problem. In the old days these masks were believed to help in contacting the spirit world-- a way for the living to communicate with their departed ancestors.

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