A dance mask, Ramu River or coastal Sepik area, finely carved and painted with the red ochre, the round eyes are made from cut pearl shell. 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. 37 cm