Baltimore Museum of Art
Baltimore Museum of Art
We are delighted to welcome the Baltimore Museum of Art as a participant of the WanBel global project.
The Baltimore Museum of Art has one of the most significant collections of art from Oceania in the United States with more than 450 works from all of the major regions dating back to the 18th century. Approximately one quarter of them originate from Papua New Guinea and the museum has superb examples of canoe prows, masquerades, carved figures, architectural elements, weapons, instruments, and objects of personal adornment.
The gallery dedicated to the Oceanic collection highlights the vast region’s interconnectedness and artistic innovation, as well as works that show the connection between humans and the water, creativity under colonialism, post-colonial economic globalization, and climate change.
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Biwat peoples. Mask. Early 20th century. Papua New Guinea. Wood, pigment. H. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.). Baltimore Museum of Art, Gift of Alan Wurtzburger, BMA 1955.251.40.
Image courtesy Baltimore Museum of Art
Biwat peoples. Flute Stopper. 19th century. Papua New Guinea. Wood, cowrie shells, plant fiber, cassowary feathers, human hair, paint, mother-of-pearl shell. 26 3/4 x 12 5/8 x 6 11/16 in. (68 x 32 x 17 cm.). Baltimore Museum of Art, Gift of Alan Wurtzburger, BMA 1955.251.36.
Image courtesy Baltimore Museum of Art