Yam Mask, Bapa Mene
Abelam, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea Early 20th century
Published: Art of the Abelam, 2015, fig. 99
This Yam mask is a rare example due to its large size and doubled headdress encircling a highly stylized face with a pair of large round eyes. Abelam men compete annually to be the grower of the biggest yam, a major source of social prestige. During such festivities, yams are decorated with masks and displayed in front of the men’s house.
Yam Mask, Bapa Mene
Abelam, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea Early 20th century
Published: Art of the Abelam, 2015, fig. 99
This Yam mask is a rare example due to its large size and doubled headdress encircling a highly stylized face with a pair of large round eyes. Abelam men compete annually to be the grower of the biggest yam, a major source of social prestige. During such festivities, yams are decorated with masks and displayed in front of the men’s house.