Papua New Guinean Tolai People Duk Duk Society Display Doll: "Tubuan"
Collection: Spiritual Connections
This Papuan display doll shows a Tubuan mask used by the Tolai Tribe in their Duk Duk ceremony. Duk Duk society members played the role of judge, jury, and executioner, though it is believed that they were possessed by spirits while performing these tasks. Members learn signs with which to greet each other and take on new names upon initiation to the society.
The Duk Duk ceremony is danced each full moon, and, now, as a tourist attraction.
This mask represents a female, with big eyes and a crescent mouth. The male version is faceless. The costume includes leafy or grass skirts and conical heads.
Source:
https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/duk-duk-0011511
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Popular_Science_Monthly/Volume_38/December_1890/The_Duk-Duk_Ceremonies
Caroline O'Brien