Ramu River Dance Mask with Ondogo Nose Ornaments

A dance mask, Ramu River area, finely carved and painted with red ochre and Rickets blue (soap bleach) the nose showing the multi-layered nose ornaments called ' ondogo '. When this mask was used ceremonially, it would have been just the face of an elaborate costume that covered the entire body of the dancer during the ceremony. These ceremonies are very important to the well-being of the entire community, they insure safety from malevolent spirits, insure that the crops will grow and that people's behaviour will be guided by their ancestors. *see attached field photo for an example of how they looked complete. Field Photos Copyright Todd Barlin and the South Australian Museum 52 cm