YAM MASKS, Abelam, PNG

Chris Boylan Oceanic Art

Two Woven Yam Masks, babamini, Abelam people, East Sepik, PNG

a)    43  x 21 x 20cm     $ 1,200

 b)   45 x 22 x 16cm      $  1,000

Following the yam harvest,, large and important yams are displayed ritually at the Yam Lining Ceremony, where fertility is sought from the spirits for the coming year.   Large yam masks are the face of these yams, with these yams reaching up to 3 metres ( 10 feet) in length. This ceremony honours the spirits responsible for the growth of the yams, signifying spiritual endorsement of each cultivator. Participants from across the region come to The Yam Lining Ceremony draws vast numbers of people from across the region to feast, dance, and critically appraise the yams on display.

A)    Old and tightly woven, with a pronounced bird-like visage and a towering top knot above the headdress section. Painted predominantly in red and blue.

B)    Old and tightly woven, featuring fine fretwork around the eyes, a tall flat headdress, painted in pale yellow and orange pigments.

$1,200.00

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