These ROM Mask ferns are very rare because they must never be seen.
They served as a support post for the Nassara of Little Chief Sekor's father.
They were out of sight inside the Nassara, the place where the ROM masks were made.
Collected on Ambrym Island in the village of Olal
Rom masks are worn during ceremonies for the Rom dance. Protected from the gaze of women and children during their construction, they are generally burned after use. The dance of Rom is sacred, it maintains and renews the spiritual and social bonds of the community.
Early 20th century
Sold with CITES (Washington convention)
Circumference: 114 cm Height: 3 m