Lot 78A
Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Price Alexander Mountains, Abelam People, Middle Sepik River region, early 20th century CE. Carved wood Abelam Yam mask. In the Sepik River Region of Papua New Guinea yams play a prominent role in the agricultural and ceremonial practices of the Abelam people. For almost half of the year men nurture their yams carefully as their personal status is judged by their ability to produce large yams. These giants can measure between 9 12 feet in length and they play a crucial role in the annual yam festival where they are publicly displayed. The large decorated yams are believed to be live embodiments of the ancestors and the masks play a central role in representing the spiritual beings. Power and status are directly related to the size of the yam and gender is prescribed to each based on their straightness and protrusions. Masks are used to cover long yams in a ceremony showing the men's gardening prowess. It is of utmost importance in the culture. the Abelam believe only men can grow long yams. Their success is dependent not only on hard work, but complete abstinence from contact with women during the six month growing period, and spiritual assistance from ancestors. A fine yam is named for the ancestral spirit and that spirit is brought into being by the mask and decoration. Size: 5" W x 14" H (12.7 cm x 35.6 cm)
Provenance: Ex-private Australian collection.
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#113735
- Condition: Losses, as shown.
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