Hand Carved Upoko Mask 17cm by Thomas Hansen (red moko)

Handcarved in New Zealand by Thomas Hansen.

This mask is a contemporary version of the art of "moko" (facial tattoo).

Moko has evolved from a few simple lines to the full facial designs we see today on carved masks and figures.

The two sides of a person's face represent whakapapa (ancestry), or can be a design chosen by the wearer of the moko. 

The colour red is a sacred colour to Maori, and is used by the artist to show respect for the beauty and form of moko. 

13.5cm x 17cm x 5cm