Mask (matavulo) Fiji, 1830s

Mask (matavulo) Fiji, 1830s

Human hair, wickerwork, coconut leaf reticulum, coir, and fiber
Smithsonian Institution, Department of Anthropology,E2910-0
Collected in 1840 during the United States Exploring Expedition under Charles Wilkes

EX.8785.216 Photo (c) Museum Associates/ LACMA

Clowning and masquerade were of ritual and political importance in Fiji, and clowns still entertain audiences during traditional dance (meke) performances.