Description: |
Known as a "Tapirape upe", or enemy warrior mask, this mask is decorated with the feathers of macaw and other parrots, as well as with freshwater mother-of-pearl shell, bone, wood, fiber and beeswax. These natural materials are found in the Amazonian environment and are often used by people living in the region to make clothing, accessories and ceremonial objects. This mask was created and used by the Tapirape people of the Amazonian region in central Brazil. Men wear this type of mask during a ceremonial "victory" dance during which the mask represents the soul of an enemy killed by its wearer's most recent ancestor. The dance enables its performer to "own" the spirit of his enemy. |
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Source: |
http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/152 |
Collection: |
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis |
Rights: | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/; |
Copyright: |
Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0); |
Geography: |
Brazil |
Subjects: |
Indians of South America Indians of South America --Social life and customs Indians of South America --Amazon River Region Masks Brazil Indian dance--South America |
Further information on this record can be found at its source.