Tumbuan, Blackwater River, Middle Sepik, PNG. Cane, pigment.

This style of long-nosed basketry dance mask is found exclusively on the upper reaches of the Blackwater River and Kuvemas Lake. A male dancer wears the mask, with his body totally covered with a grass skirt made of coconut or sago shredded leaves. Most important ceremonies, and especially male initiation and the inaugeration of a new Haus Tambaran use many of these masks in dance.