Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Abelam people, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A collection of seven miniature woven yam masks, each hand-crafted from natural basketry fibers and decorated with pigments in red, white, ochre, and black. These spirited creations represent ancestral beings and were traditionally made to adorn large ceremonial yams displayed during annual harvest festivals, symbolizing fertility, prestige, and deep reverence for the ancestral realm. Size: 9" L x 5.75" W (22.9 cm x 14.6 cm)

Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in the 1960's; ex-Ron Perry collection, acquired from Frank Patania Gallery

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 198047

  • Condition: Minor fraying to fibers, and all are tightly woven and great condition. Some flaking to pigments when handled.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 5, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000