What: A portrait skull made by the Iatmul people of Papua New Guinea dating to the first half of the 20th century.
Where to find it: On exhibit in "Thoughts, Things, and Theories ... What Is Culture?" at the Mathers Museum of World Cultures, 416 N. Indiana Ave.
Why you should care: This artifact was kept in a ceremonial house as a sign of respect for the dead and used to honor the living in ceremonies associated with major life events. The portrait skull of an individual first appears publicly at a ceremony honoring that person, held some time after his death. In this ceremony, the skull is placed upon a figure modeled from palm fiber and other organic materials, which sits on a swinging platform constructed in the house of the deceased. During the course of a day and night, male relatives from both sides of his family take turns honoring the man by singing songs that tell about his life. This performance is presented to the women, who serve as an audience, and takes on a competitive flavor as the two sides of the family attempt to outdo each other in the exuberance of their songs and music.
