We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art stands and recognise the creative contribution First Australians make to the art and culture of this country.
Vunapaka Cultural Group / Tolai people, East New Britain province / Papua New Guinea est. unknown / Tokatokoi 2011 / Headdresses: wood, feathers, synthetic polymer paint, grass fibre / Six headdresses: 150 x 60cm (each) / Purchased 2011. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Vunapaka Cultural Group
Iatapal Cultural Group / Tolai people, East New Britain province / Papua New Guinea est. unknown / Mary 2011 / Headdresses: wood, feathers, plastic Virgin Mary figurines, synthetic polymer paint, grass fibre / Six headdresses: 91 x 40.5 x 35cm (approx.); 95 x 29.5 x 32cm (approx.); 82 x 39 x 58cm (approx.); 89 x 37.5 x 36cm (approx.); 89 x 34 x 37cm (approx.); 89 x 37 x 36cm (approx.) / Purchased 2011. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Iatapal Cultural Group
VUNAPAKA & IATAPAL CULTURAL GROUPSTokatokoi and Mary 2011
Not Currently on Display
The tokatokoi (headdresses) created by Tolai men from Vunapaka have been modelled on a group of headdresses worn for a performance at the July 2011 National Mask Festival in Kokopo, East New Britain. The headdresses feature anthropomorphic forms resembling the serpentine/human marawot figures. These figures were considered spiritual representations of important local figures and used during important rituals held by Tolai secret men’s societies, or to assist with ceremonies introducing young men who have been through an initiation ceremony to society.
Also modelled on headdresses danced at the National Mask Festival, the innovative tokatokoi headdress Mary created by the Iatapal Cultural Group fuses the group’s adherence to Christianity with the tradition of creating masks to honour and bring forth mythical ancestors and cultural heroes. Incorporating culturally significant materials, and worn to perform sacred traditional dances, these headdresses assert the importance and power of the Madonna in contemporary Iatapal society.
The artists belonging to the Vunapaka and Iatapal Cultural Groups who made these headdresses are all men. Works are created according to strict cultural protocols and overseen by senior men. Some of the forms created reference secret knowledge restricted to only those who have been initiated into a particular part of Tolai society.
Discussion Questions
1. What does anthropomorphic mean? Where can you see evidence of this in the artworks?
2. Can you identify which elements of this installation have come from Christianity, mythical ancestors or cultural heroes?
Classroom Activities
1. Think of a person or group of people who are important to you. What did they do or what attributes do they have that make them stand out? How would you communicate these attributes through dance and sculpture?
2. The Iatapal Cultural Group has introduced Christian icons into their traditional belief systems. Think about your key cultural and spiritual influences. Work with a partner to create a collaborative artwork that explores shared influences.