Yam Mask
Maprik, Abelam, Papua New Guinea
20th Century. Previous Collection: Nathan Oliviera ( Stanford Art Professor ) Acquired Prior to 1960

This Baba Tagwa Mask, or better known as a Yam Mask was worn during the Yam festival, in which the dancer took on the role of a symbolized clown or judgment figure to distract the uninitiated to certain cult events. Made from rattan and adorned with colorful pigments, this mask is an extremely large example. The ambitious and inventive style is remarkable; from the amphibious face to the tall plaited and layered coiffure, this Yam mask eclipses most on the market today. The projecting pierced ears with separately attached earrings and forked tongue like top are just some of the subtle details not found on other Yam masks. The pigments are in great condition and the original bamboo brace is still intact around the bottom rim.
This Mask stands 23” tall.

SOLD / 5-5-11