Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea Baba Helmet Mask Abelam Tribe

Papua New Guinea Baba Helmet Mask Abelam Tribe
Papua New Guinea Baba Helmet Mask Abelam Tribe
Papua New Guinea Baba Helmet Mask Abelam Tribe
Papua New Guinea Baba Helmet Mask Abelam Tribe

Papua New Guinea Baba Helmet Mask Abelam Tribe
This is a wonderful Woven Yam Mask form the Abelam Tribe, West Yangoru Area, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea. This unusual mask has round eyes surrounded by distinctive concentric forms and has bilium weaving on the bottom. The Abelam and neighboring peoples of the Sepik region of northeast New Guinea create various types of basketry masks. This type is known as baba tagwa, a helmet-like form intended to be worn over the head. For the Abelam, baba tagwa masks have associations with the male initiation cycle. Men dressed in intricate costumes comprised of leaves wear them. For some ceremonies, figures donning baba tagwa masks act as guards. Wielding intimidating bamboo stalks or other weapons, they drive off uninitiated men, women, and children, who are not allowed to witness the secret initiation rites. SA truly unique yam mask to adorn your home or add to your collection. 20th Century Shows age and Natural Wear 13.5 Inches Tall 23.5 Inches on Stand 6 Inches Wide 7.5 Inches Deep AT BACARA WE STAND BEHIND ALL OF OUR MERCHANDISE.

YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT BACARA. This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic\Pacific Islands & Oceania".

The seller is "bacara-online" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.

  • Color: Brown
  • Culture: Pacific Islands & Oceania
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Material: Fiber
  • Maker: Papua New Guinea


Papua New Guinea Baba Helmet Mask Abelam Tribe