MISSIONARY ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Two Tapa Masks from Melanesia

STATE OF PRESERVATION: Dehydration of the fibers in several parts. Splitting of the wood and tears. Infesting insects. RESTORATION PROCESS INCLUDES: • Pesticide treatment • Removal of the dust • Consolidation of the wood • Re-hydration of the bark • Integration of the missing parts where needed • Overall consolidation • Photographic documentation and summary Total cost € 10.000,00 contact our office for further information These masks are from Melanesia. Their inimitable shape resemble a contemporary work of art, but were created for ritual night ceremonies for men only. The masks belong to the Baining people. Men used to wear them and dance together at night to keep the ghosts of the dead away from their village. Other similar masks from Melanesia are on display in the most important ethnological museums of the world.

Index for this Department: Introduction Japanese Armor of Kon Kebiki Odoshi Gomai Dangaie-Do-Tosei-Gusoku Chinese Armor of a General of the Manciù Dinasty Peacocks Under a Cherry Tree Two Tapa Masks from Melanesia Ten Colored Xylographies Four Ceremonial Shields for Tambaran House Two Ritual Masks Tubuai and Duk-Duk Bundu Costume Two Vanatu Masks Tambaran Ten Funerary Poles Sacred Polynesian Reliquary Eskimo Kayak Two African Lirae Japanese Sword Wakizashi signed “Yasutsugu”

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