Doroe Spirit Mask by Asmat

Doroe Spirit Mask c. 20th century

asmat's Profile Picture

asmat

# 

3d sculpting

# 

sculpture

# 

sculptural image

# 

muted smudged

# 

unrealistic statue

# 

sculpting

# 

underpainting

# 

abstract character

# 

ruin

# 

statue

The "Doroe Spirit Mask" is a striking example of Asmat art from the 20th century, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. This large, imposing mask, crafted from natural materials like sago palm and feathers, features a central, stylized human face with a long, pointed headdress. Its long, flowing "hair" made from dried sago palm fronds gives the mask a sense of power and mystery, reflecting the significance of spirits and ancestors in Asmat culture. The mask's intricate design and imposing presence likely served ritualistic purposes, symbolizing the spirit world and the importance of ancestral connections.

Show more

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart's Profile Picture
minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

The doroe is a full body mask that is worn during the Jipae ritual. This ceremony is performed to expel the spirits of deceased kin from a village so they do not return and bring misfortune to those still living. A relative of the ancestor typically wears the mask, a respected task because it requires strength and courage to summon the spirits of the dead. The Jipae ritual begins when the masked figure enters the village and presents itself to the family of the deceased. While spending time with family and friends, the spiritual figure becomes highly demanding of food and attention. In order to eliminate the ancestral spirit's opportunity of returning to the village, the family attacks and ritually kills the mask. The top portion of the costume is then brought to the jungle and placed on top of a young sago palm. When the tree grows, the mask will be raised towards the sky, representing the deceased person's journey to Safan, the land of the dead. This ritual is a way of freeing the souls of the deceased from the earthly world.

Join the conversation

Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.