Papua New Guinea

Mask Papua New Guinea Ancestor Yam Mask

Mask Papua New Guinea Ancestor Yam Mask
Mask Papua New Guinea Ancestor Yam Mask
Mask Papua New Guinea Ancestor Yam Mask
Mask Papua New Guinea Ancestor Yam Mask
Mask Papua New Guinea Ancestor Yam Mask
Mask Papua New Guinea Ancestor Yam Mask

Mask Papua New Guinea Ancestor Yam Mask
This is an old and Rare Woven Yam Mask from the Boiken People from Papua New Guinea. Men weave the yam masks with human and animal characteristics and then typically cover them with clay pigment and dyes. A masterful weaver will produce a mask that is tightly woven, clear in form and idea and that has a visual presence that easily conveys the spirit of the ancestor.

The application of paint animates the finished mask; paint is the transformation ingredient that changes the status of the mask from an inanimate thing to living spirit. Masks are cleaned and repainted after each ceremony. The elongated nose underneath has a bow-shaped projection, representing a spirit. Within the Lower Sepik area, it is generally accepted that long pointed noses represent spiritual beings while short naturalistic ones portray true ancestors.

The yams play a prominent role in the agricultural and ceremonial practices. The large decorated yams are believed to be live embodiment's of the ancestors and the masks play a central role in representing the spiritual beings. Power and status are directly related to the size of the yam and gender is prescribed to each based on their straightness and protrusions. This yam mask is truly a one of a kind and would be a great additional your collection. Early-20th Century COMES ON A STAND Shows age, loss of pigment, but is in good condition.

A rare One of a Kind Mask and Museum quality. Mask on Stand 20" tall Mask 12 1/2" tall 12" wide 7" deep Nose 16" Nose to Top 7" long 2 wide AT BACARA WE STAND BEHIND ALL OF OUR MERCHANDISE.

YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT BACARA. The item "Mask Papua New Guinea Ancestor Yam Mask" is in sale since Saturday, March 30, 2019. This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic\Pacific Islands & Oceania". The seller is "bacara-online" and is located in Overland Park, Kansas.

This item can be shipped worldwide.

  • Style: Pacific Islands & Oceania
  • Color: Multi-Color
  • Material: Fiber
  • Original/Reproduction: Original


Mask Papua New Guinea Ancestor Yam Mask