The island of Timor gave rise to a distinctive tradition (or traditions) of masks whose precise origins and significance remain uncertain. There is not a dedicated litterature, the little information I have got it comes from a patient work of interviews to elderly of different Belu and Atoni villages (see my interview at the shaman of Billa village): according to them, masks portray both male and female ancestors, they were worn by warriors to scare enemies during the fights, were worn by men during a variety of ceremonies, like harvest ceremonies and ceremonies for the celebrations of victory in war. They were also put on the altar during the sacrifices; in some areas masks were put inside the huts to protect the household from evil spirits. They were worn to hide ones face during raids to other villages or even neighbors in time of hunger.

Timor Belu/Tetum mask with horse hair

Timor Belu/Tetum mask with horse hair

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11.8” x 7” x 2.7” (cm 30 x 18 x 7) weight: 1.2 kg

Superb and rare mask from Belu area of West Timor, made in hard wood, with beard, hair and eye brows made of horse hair. On the fronthead there are 3 Japanese coins, probably brought to Timor during the Japanese invasion that took place during second world war. The mask should in fact come from that period, 1940s-50s. On the back there is a reddish string.

Condition is overall good, there is a break at the eye and other minor chips, and it has the usual blackned patina of the genuine Timor items.

It comes with customized stand.

references: similar masks to this are reported in the book of Margaret King, Eden to Paradise

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