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Exhibition Guide

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Trickster Mask (Aroni)

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Art Object Info

The Aroni masquerader literally performs with one arm tied behind his back. Aroni is a forest spirit, part of a procession of miracle-working dancers at the annual celebration of the ancestors. The mask’s deep, saucer-like eyes suggest the face of a monkey. The circular, protruding cheeks echo the shape of the eyes, just as the delicate curves of the mask’s ears reprise the shape of the horns sprouting from the top. A small gourd containing spiritual medicine is balanced between the horns. The pink tongue peeking out of the moveable jaws provides a clue to Aroni’s slippery nature—the spirit can either help hunters find prey or trick them into losing their way.

 

Medium:
Wood, encrustation, and plant-fiber
Size:
H: 11'
W: 6.7'
Date:
Early 20th Century
Purchase with Exchange Funds from Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gerofsky; Gift of Irene Gulck; Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Meyers; Gift of Dr. Joseph H. Seipp, Jr.; and Gift of Alan Wurtzburger BMA 1983.83

Art Object Info

The Aroni masquerader literally performs with one arm tied behind his back. Aroni is a forest spirit, part of a procession of miracle-working dancers at the annual celebration of the ancestors. The mask’s deep, saucer-like eyes suggest the face of a monkey. The circular, protruding cheeks echo the shape of the eyes, just as the delicate curves of the mask’s ears reprise the shape of the horns sprouting from the top. A small gourd containing spiritual medicine is balanced between the horns. The pink tongue peeking out of the moveable jaws provides a clue to Aroni’s slippery nature—the spirit can either help hunters find prey or trick them into losing their way.

 

Medium:
Wood, encrustation, and plant-fiber
Size:
W: 6.7'
H: 11'
Date:
Early 20th Century
Purchase with Exchange Funds from Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gerofsky; Gift of Irene Gulck; Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Meyers; Gift of Dr. Joseph H. Seipp, Jr.; and Gift of Alan Wurtzburger BMA 1983.83