Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik, Abelam, ca. mid 20th century CE. A fascinating woven mask with an abstract zoomorphic face presenting two round eyes with openwork above and below flanking a projecting central ridge above a pronounced openwork snout that dramatically extends outward. In addition to being skillfully modeled, the surface is beautifully decorated, painted with rich pigments in russet red, slate blue, black, and white hues. Masks like this example have traditionally been used to adorn the heads of huge tubers, rather than humans. Size: 18.5" L x 14.875" W x 19.5" H (47 cm x 37.8 cm x 49.5 cm); 26.5" H (67.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Curious? Indeed, the Abelam cultivate massive yams in addition to the ordinary variety. These can be as much as 12 feet long. According to the curatorial department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "A man's social status is determined largely by his success in growing long yams. Each man has a permanent exchange partner to whom he ceremonially presents his largest yams following the annual harvest, later receiving those of his rival in return. Men who are consistently able to give their partners longer yams than they receive gain great prestige. Lavishly adorned for the presentation ceremony, the finest long yams are essentially transformed into human images, decorated in the manner of men in full ceremonial regalia." (http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/311328)
Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985
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#147566
Condition
Usual surface wear with areas of pigment loss as shown, but much remains and is quite vivid. Very minor area of separation (only about a 1.5") between two reeds at lower end of the mask, otherwise intact.