Collection Online
Mask of a boar
Medium
pigments on wood, hair
Measurements
16.1 × 22.1 × 53.0 cm
Place/s of Execution
Borneo
Accession Number
2006.49
Department
Asian Art
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 2006
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Gallery location
Not on display
Physical description
The mask is carved from wood, with separate ears, also carved from wood, inserted at the top, and a hinged, lower jaw, attached with rings of split bamboo. Hairs from a boar are inserted into the end of the snout. The features of the boar, including teeth, eyes and snout, are finely carved, and the effect of the mask is one of stylized elegance, while accurately conveying the appearance of the boar. The stylized quality of the mask extends to the fine linear design, known as the Kenyalang motif, applied with paint to the wooden surface.