Vintage Piaroa Ceremonial Mask, Venezuela

Description

The Piaroa Indians of Venezuela make these animal masks for ceremonial use during traditional rituals, the most important of which are the Warime rites.  The masks are worn to express the Piaroa’s affinity with certain beasts with whom they share their environment.  Hand-made from natural materials, the masks have a long hood made from a plant-based fabric, which is pulled over the upper body when the mask is worn.
Mask, 7.5"Wx12"H.  Hood 26"L.
Venezuela, Mid Twentieth Century
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