Lot 252 Rα

An almost identical mask in the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac (71.1967.63.6) is attributed to the Wauja or Waurà and its name is recorded as "Pirarara" (the Brasilian name for the red-tailed catfish). As in the present example the teeth of the mask are formed from the jaws of a piranha. According to the museum the mask was used to cure the sick. The mask wearer would chase the shadow or the spirit that caused the disease.