Title: Damarau

Date: 20th century
Culture: Iatmul (Aibom Village, Papua New Guinea)
Material: Painted earthenware
Size: 19.5” H
Credit: Gift of Dr. David and Karina Rilling
On View: No*

The Iatmul live along the Sepik River in a collection of politically autonomous villages. Those who live in the Aibom village are known for large, ornate storage jars known as damarau. Each jar is made using clay from around the Chambri Lakes and middle Sepik River. Traditionally, women collect the clay and form the jars, while the men decorate them. The modeled faces can represent ancestors, various spirits and animals. The jars are often traded for other goods throughout the region.

* A similar item is on display.

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