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JUNGLE GEOMETRY: New Ömie Paintings from Papua New Guinea

Past exhibition
3 - 23 November 2023
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Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Audrey Masé, Small pieces of pig meat and bush snail shells, 2022

Audrey Masé Papua New Guinean, d. 2022

Small pieces of pig meat and bush snail shells, 2022
natural pigments on nioge (barkcloth)
160 x 55.5 cm
22-017
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The border and lines that run through the work are known as ori sigé or 'pathways' and provide a compositional framework for the designs. The orb (path) designs are ancient...
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The border and lines that run through the work are known as ori sigé or 'pathways' and provide a compositional framework for the designs. The orb (path) designs are ancient and originate from the time Of the Ancestors and relate to the intricate footpaths that run through food gardens and garden plots.

Audrey was taught this ancient design by the late Albert Sirimi (Nanati), former Assistant Paramount Chief of Ömie men and the only known male Ömie painter who was formally trained. The design is known as ani'emeh buri'eteh, representing small pieces of pig meat.

The spiral design is vaigu dere, shells Of the bush snail. Bush snail shells are usually found in the rainforest, and were used in the time of the ancestors for the important social custom known as haiwu'e, the chewing Of betelnut. This custom is practiced in everyday life but especially during feasting and dancing after Ujawé initiation tattooing rites as well as for marriage ceremonies. The shell would be ground up into a powder, similar to lime powders used today, and then chewed with the fruit of the betelnut. It is said that betelnut-chewing enduces a trance-like state in the dancer.
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