Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik, Abelam, early to mid 20th century CE. A unique woven vegetal fiber, double-faced mask of conical form displaying a pair of openwork eyes - one on each side - each presenting with a circular pupil surrounded by 3 openwork ovals and a twisted vegetal fiber border. The vibrant visage exhibits two prominent nasal bridges, one on the front and the other on the back, both ending with a looped nose, likely intended for suspending feathers, shells, or other ornamentation. Skillfully painted in shades of crimson, dark brown, white, black, and green, the eccentric face is topped with a lovely openwork striped headdress of a triangular form. Size: 16" in diameter x 16.75" H (40.6 cm x 42.5 cm)
The black, white, and red painted designs not only add to the mask's celebratory nature, but also mimic the colors of a cherished crop within Abelam society - the yam. In Papua New Guinea, yams can grow up to 12 feet long and are an important status symbol. This mask was likely used during a ceremony in which men dress up their yams as men, using fruits, flowers, leaves, and masks, such as this one. The man with the largest yam at the festival is regarded as having the most power.
Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985
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#148019
Condition
Light fraying to peripheries of raised features. One fiber stripe on headdress is broken. Otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive remaining pigments and lovely earthen encrustations.