Keveke by Unknown artist

Being

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Making

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Keveke

Keveke

Artist

Unknown artist
Production Date

Unknown
Medium

wood, pigment, plant fibres, feathers
Size

1900 x 500 x 360 mm
Credit

Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 1988
Accession Number

C1994/1/290
Accession Date

Jul 1988
Department

International Art
Classification

Object
Collection

Chartwell
Subjects

masks (costume), artifacts
Chartwell Notes

Please note: We have been unable to obtain direct approval for this image but we acknowledge the original maker. If the copyright owner is able to contact us, we will immediately respond. Regards, Chartwell
Description

Keveke refers to the fact that plant fibre and feathers surround this mask. Ancestor boards such as these are also known as kwoi, because they function as portraits of a guardian’s spirit. Their anthropometric form is both celebratory and intimidating. It is possible that the shield derives from the Wapo Creek area, in the central Gulf of Papua. (Te Moananui a Kiwa)