Yam Masks, Abelam, PNG

Chris Boylan Oceanic Art

Three Yam Masks, babamini, Abelam people, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea

a)  2 6 x 22 x 11cm   $ 850        

b)  36 x 45 x 22cm   $ 1,200        

c)  20 x 21 x 7cm       $ 750     

After harvest, large and important yams are displayed ritually at the Yam Lining Ceremony, where fertility is entreated from the spirits for the following year.   Large yam masks are the face of these yams, with these yams being up to 3 metres ( 10 feet) in length. This is, in fact ,honouring the spirits who have helped each man to grow these large yams, showing spiritual endorsement. The Yam Lining Ceremony is not just for the village but for the whole region, with vast numbers of people gathering to feast and celebrate with a major focus being to view and judge the yams on display.

A)    Old tightly woven with a strong bird-like visage and headdress above. The  slightly twisted nose lends the form a sense of vitality and presence.

B)    A very large yam mask, with full bird-like face and large protruding eyes. The headdress above is also tall and wide, all painted in mainly red and white.

C)      Old tightly woven yam mask with an interesting more nuanced face highlighted by large circular ears. The colours are pale  and lend an ethereal quality to this mask

$850.00

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