Wooden Yam Mask #1, Papua New Guinea
Wooden Yam Mask #1, Papua New Guinea
Abelam Peoples, East Sepik Province
Circa 1930s/40s
Wood, pigments
14 x 6.5 in. / 35.5 x 16.5 cm
Height on custom display stand: 19 in. / 48 cm
This fine example of a classic Northern Abelam yam mask has a well-proportioned bulk and artistically clever headdress of two stylized hornbills. The mask shows good age, with a pierced nose and layers of pigment.
Abelam life is centered around year-long rituals associated with growing giant yams, their most important food source. The importance of yams is also reflected in the Abelam language by the large vocabulary used to describe the different varieties and growing phases. When harvested, long yams are decorated to represent spirits affiliated with their ancestors.
Domestic shipping included. International shipping quoted separately.
SQ7714225
