Courtesy of the Harn Museum of Art, Photography by Randy Batista

Cassowary Dance Costume

Maker Iatmul , Sepik River, Papua New Guinea

Date20th century

Made/manufacturedPapua New Guinea, Oceania

MediumRattan, raffia, shells, string, cassowary feathers, pigment

Dimensions26 1/2 in. x 18 1/4 in. x 6 ft. 3 1/2 in. (67.3 x 46.4 x 191.8 cm)

ClassificationsClothing and accessories

Credit LineGift of Dr. Samuel Spring

Object numberS85-SPNG-G233

Collections

OCEANIC

DescriptionFinely woven rattan body costume with hanging fiber. Wings and head made from plaited string. Long neck. Design painted on predominately black body. Shell eye. Cassowary feathers extend down sides and ridge of back. Dangling twine from circular disc ears.