"Baba Tagwa Mask, Helmet Mask, Oceanic Art, Oceania, Basketry, Papua New Guinea"
Helm mask in basketry called "Baba Tagwa". The Baba mask is worn with a long skirt of pandanus leaves and a necklace of colorful fruits. The baba is part of the spirit world and serves to frighten and alienate the uninitiated from preparations for initiation ceremonies. The baba always carries 1 or 2 long spears which he uses (symbolically) to enforce the laws that govern the uninitiated. Basketwork in rushes, cassowary feathers and natural pigments. Sold with a presentation base. Free Shipping.