Aibom Meri

MOA: University of British Columbia

3091/10

Wooden carving of three masked figures. A man stands in back with a large concave vessel balanced on his head. The vessel is light brown, with scalloped edges and a face carved and painted at top. Two women stand in front of the man, both carrying bags in one hand and decorative objects in the other. They wear elaborate headdresses that fall down their backs and are covered with shells carved into the wood. All figures wear similar skirts painted orange, yellow and brown, belted at the waist, and white cords crossing their chests. The masks they wear are densely painted in orange, yellow and brown on a white base. All figures have eyes made of shell. The base is rounded and entirely carved and painted.


  • Type of Item figure
  • Culture Iatmul
  • Material garamut wood, paint, cowrie shell
  • Measurements height 123.0 cm, width 37.0 cm, depth 36.0 cm (overall)

  • Creator Kaua Gita
  • Previous Owner Neil B. Cole
  • Received from Neil B. Cole

  • Made in Korogo

  • Creation Date during 2012
  • Ownership Date before December 2, 2014
  • Acquisition Date on December 2, 2014

  • Item Classes carvings & sculpture
  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3091/0010