Crest Mask

The simple, elongated shape of this mask evokes the body of a fish or crocodile. However, a human face appears at one end. This duality of animal and human elements is essential in the Iatmul worldview. It suggests the ability of ancestors to transform and appear in many manifestations. Young Iatmul men wore masks such as this, horizontally atop their heads, during the first stage of initiation. The pierced holes along the bottom served to affix a covering of plant fibers that hid the body of the dancer. Until colonization, there were several levels or grades of initiation. Initiation rituals introduce each generation of adolescents and young men to the realm of manhood. Imagined as a long gestation culminating in rebirth, a period of seclusion is fundamental to this process. The first phase involves scarification of the body. Thereafter, the initiates gradually learn aspects of men’s knowledge, such as the fabrication of certain tools for hunting, memorization of mythological cycles and ritual chants, and mastery of musical instruments and martial arts. With each level achieved, an initiate gains specific, secret knowledge and increasingly higher status in society. A prestigious ceremony marks the conclusion of initiation. After a period of seclusion, the young initiates reappear, adorned and resplendent. From this moment, they may access the men’s house.