Vintage Papua New Guinea Abelam Yam Mask Woven Headdress Ceremonial Mask MCM EX

This is a stunning Yam Mask from the Abelam Tribe in Papua New Guinea. The "bapamini" masks are created by the Abelam people to decorate the massive long yams that are exchanged during the yam festival (wapisaki). These masks, represent ancestral spirits called nggwal. Yam farming is central to Abelam society, and the success of the harvest is deeply tied to these rituals. Each man presents his biggest yams to his partner.

Men who give longer yams than they receive gain prestige. Men weave the masks with human and animal characteristics then cover them with pigments and dyes, which animates the finished mask.

This transforms the mask from an inanimate thing to a living spirit. This mask is a great example of Papua New Guinea culture. Probably dates from the Mid-Century Modern period. Very good to excellent condition. " 7" Tall × 10 Wide.

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