Lot 230
Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik, Abelam, ca. 20th century CE. A fascinating mask, formed from woven vegetal fiber and hand-painted with brilliant hues of red, yellow, white, and black to emphasize its bold features. The stylized vizard features a huge pair of openwork ovoid eyes that flank a prominent, crested nose, all crowned by 2 petite, conical ears and a bulb-like protrusion. Zigzags of twisted vegetal fiber surround the eyes, further adorning the mask. A strong example created for use in festivals surrounding the cherished yam, the crucial crop of the Abelam people who live in the Maprik district of northeast Papua New Guinea. Size: 12.2" W x 14.9" H (31 cm x 37.8 cm)
The Abelam cultivate massive yams in addition to the ordinary variety. These can be as great 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."
Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#172158
- Condition: Expected age wear with some light abrasions, fraying, and a few miniscule tears. Tearing with losses to vegetal fiber strand that loops through headdress. Otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive remaining pigments. Pigments are loose and easily spreadable.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |