Shark fin shoulder mask
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Object PlaceBissagos Islands, Guinea Bissau
Medium/TechniqueWood, pigment, braided plant fiber, nails
DimensionsOverall: 62 x 61 x 12.5 cm (24 7/16 x 24 x 4 15/16 in.)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2694
On View
Not on viewClassificationsSculpture
Collections
This shark's dorsal fin displays colorful designs, including the outlines of a shark and possibly a ray. Worn on the masker's back, it was part of a shark costume that belonged to the young men in the cabaro age group. The men brought a variety of sea creatures to life in their performances, enacting the relationship to the sea that provided their livelihood.
Provenance1973, sold by the Galerie Majestic, Paris, to Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)
20th century