Yam Mask - Papua New Guinea - First Half Of The 20th Century

Yam Mask 
Abelam culture, Maprik region, Papua New Guinea
First half of the 20th century
Wood and pigments
H. 89 ; L 37 ; Th 30 cm   
(old accidents)

Important wooden mask carved into an anthropomorphic face with a long beard 
It has the characteristic features of the culture: a long nose, protruding nostrils, eyes in the form of inverted triangles, small ears in relief on the temples, a beard in the form of a collar and a protuberance at the top. It is entirely covered with polychrome pigments, which refer in particular to facial paintings. 

This mask refers to annual ceremonies during which yam masks of different sizes appeared - the larger sizes were rarer. 
These ceremonies were used to promote the coming harvest. 

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP : 3296