Masks from the Sepik Region are carved from a single piece of wood that is incised and painted with colorful patterns. Common features include the beak-shaped nose, which can face either upwards or downwards, and concentric lines of red, yellow, white, and black pigments. The masks are generally used in rituals for the purpose of protection, and these often take place during … [Read more...] about Sepik Region Mask: Researched and Conserved by Akira Alves
The sago pounder is a tool used to harvest and process the inner bark of the sago palm, which provides a staple food for the people of the Sepik Region of New Guinea. For this process, the sago palm is first cut open and the bark is removed. Next, the sago pounder is used like an axe or hoe to gradually scrape the inner bark or pith from the outer bark. The pith is then … [Read more...] about Sago Pounder: Researched, Conserved, and Repaired by Akira Alves
Traditional Fijian woven mats serve as an important part of Fijian identity. Female artisans are taught to make the traditional woven mats from a young age, and finely woven mats are displayed as a source of pride in the household. Simple, practical versions of woven mats are laid over the floors of Fijian homes to serve as rugs, while more elaborate versions of the mats, … [Read more...] about Fijian Sleeping Mat: Researched and Conserved by Nicole Paden
Tapa cloth is a type of traditional Oceanic fabric that is made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. The type of tapa cloth that is made in the Fijian Islands is specifically called masi, and this cloth is decorated using natural dyes and stencils to create intricate, meaningful patterns. High-quality masi may also be cooked to make the set the designs and make them … [Read more...] about Fijian Tapa Cloth: Researched and Conserved by Raegan Cash
Turtle Shell Basketry Mask Researched and Conserved by Marissa Ewing BEFORE CONSERVATION AFTER CONSERVATION The art of the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea revolves heavily around men’s societies and their associated ceremonies and initiations. Sepik River religions involve ancestor worship, and many of the masks produced in this … [Read more...] about Turtle Shell Basketry Mask Researched and Conserved by Marissa Ewing