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"Cara Grande (Taparapay tribe) Amazon Circumcision Mask, " Mixed Media c. 1950

c. 1950

About the Item

"Cara Grande (Taparapay tribe) Amazon Circumcision Mask" is a Brazilian mask made out of feathers, fiber, mother of pearl, and wood. It was made to be worn during a circumcision. 34" x 29 1/2" art 43 1/2" x 37 3/8" frame The Tapirapé (or Taparapay) indigenous people is a Brazilian Indian tribe that survived the European conquest and subsequent colonization of the country, keeping with little changes most of their culture and customs. Stationed deep into the Amazon rainforest, they had little direct contact with Europeans until around 1910, and even then that contact was sporadic until the 1950s. Their religion was based on shamanism. Shamans could communicate with a variety of spirits, from kind to unfriendly. Spirits were believed to live in the Takana on a cyclic basis; each “belonged” to a particular Bird Society. When one of the spirits was present, two members of the corresponding Bird Society impersonated and attached himself to the spirit by wearing a special mask and other pieces of clothing until their whole body was covered; they then went dancing around the village and received good kawi (a manioc drink) from every loghouse. Masks like this one were often used in religious ceremonies. This one was specifically used for a coming-of-age circumcision.
  • Creation Year:
    c. 1950
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 43.5 in (110.49 cm)Width: 37.375 in (94.94 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Milwaukee, WI
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 2123d1stDibs: LU605312450452

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