It is unusual to get two, almost matching gourd masks as they tend to be very individualistic. These gourd masks are made to represent spirits that dwell in the bush or mountains, and they are generally believed to be hostile to the living. They can represent specific spirits. One Kamano informant explained that some masks represent the evil spirits that ‘cause’ leprosy. These masks are worn by men, and they appeared in large village gatherings called krina in pantomime-type productions that told stories of life and the spirits; they were also used in the final performance at the Pig Killing Festivals. In some performances, these masked dancers moved erratically during the performance and often carried sticks or clubs to strike spectators who came too close.
These masks were made from old gourds previously used to hold water or oil.
The facial features are simple; holes for the eyes and mouth, with the nose and some features built up with resin. Coix seeds were often hung from the ears or nose – seeds associated with death, and hence the spirit world.

Both masks were collected by Helen Dennett at the Goroka Show in the early 1970s.