Yam Mask
Southern Abelam, the Wosera, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th century
Provenance: Frank Reiter collection, Berlin
This woven cane mask from the Abelam was used to cover long yams during a ceremony to promote a productive agricultural season. Yams were named for a particular ancestral spirit, which is brought into being and represented by the mask’s decoration. The intricacy of the weave is still clearly seen on this particular mask, most notably on its face. The mask exhibits large eyes and an extended mouth. The front of the face is curved due to the placement of the eyes, illuminating the three-dimensional nature of the mask. Original red, yellow, and white pigments are visible on the mask’s façade. Not many masks of this age exist in such a complete condition, due to the fragile nature of the organic material used.
Yam Mask
Southern Abelam, the Wosera, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
Early 20th century
Provenance: Frank Reiter collection, Berlin
This woven cane mask from the Abelam was used to cover long yams during a ceremony to promote a productive agricultural season. Yams were named for a particular ancestral spirit, which is brought into being and represented by the mask’s decoration. The intricacy of the weave is still clearly seen on this particular mask, most notably on its face. The mask exhibits large eyes and an extended mouth. The front of the face is curved due to the placement of the eyes, illuminating the three-dimensional nature of the mask. Original red, yellow, and white pigments are visible on the mask’s façade. Not many masks of this age exist in such a complete condition, due to the fragile nature of the organic material used.
