Description:

Papua New Guinea, Abelam peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th centuries CE. This is a fine example of a small Abelam mask for a yam, woven, with a feather border and painted eyes. Yams are the focus of the Abelam community - grown both as food annd as social status, with men in the society competing to grow the longest yams. During the annual yam harvest, men presents their exchange partner with their best yam. During this time, the prize yams are transformed into human images by dressing them in masks like this one. Size: 10" W x 13" H (25.4 cm x 33 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Peter Arnovick, Los Altos, CA

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#116096

  • Condition: Slight signs of wear but colors are bright and feathers in nice condition

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August 3, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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