Wooden Yam Mask
Bukie, East Sepik Province, Prince Alexander Mountains, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th C.
Provenance: Old American collection
Wooden Yam masks are much rarer than the ones woven with rattan. The long wooden post projecting from the bottom was used to attach the mask to a large yam. This sculpture is an early example, pre-contact and was carved using non-metal tools. Its presence is very powerful, and commands ones attention with its large oversized head and dark glossy patina on its post and back. Also of note is the small piercing through the bottom of the nose. Remains of multiple layers of old pigments used to decorate the head can be seen covering the entire surface.
Wooden Yam Mask
Bukie, East Sepik Province, Prince Alexander Mountains, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th C.
Provenance: Old American collection
Wooden Yam masks are much rarer than the ones woven with rattan. The long wooden post projecting from the bottom was used to attach the mask to a large yam. This sculpture is an early example, pre-contact and was carved using non-metal tools. Its presence is very powerful, and commands ones attention with its large oversized head and dark glossy patina on its post and back. Also of note is the small piercing through the bottom of the nose. Remains of multiple layers of old pigments used to decorate the head can be seen covering the entire surface.