Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik, Abelam, early to mid-20th CE. A hand-woven vegetal fiber mask that was used during yam harvest celebrations. Yams had a cultural and ritual significance in certain Papua New Guinean societies, yams are not only staple crop and source of sustenance, but they are also social markers of wealth and prestige! A person's yam crop can influence their social status and reputation within the community - there was competition to grow the largest and most impressive yam. The yams were also a symbol of rebirth and connected to the life force of ancestors. Size: 7.5" L x 9" W x 17" H (19 cm x 22.9 cm x 43.2 cm); 21" H (53.3 cm) included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#140392

  • Condition: Fraying and unraveling to the fiber coil outlining the right brow, but rest is intact and tightly woven. Fading to painted pigments and some light mineral deposits and discoloration.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 5, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

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

Bid Increments
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