Description:

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik, Abelam, early 20th century CE. A large vegetal fiber woven mask, hand painted with bold oblong features. The spiraling eyes are separated by a long nasal ridge with a loop at the end, perhaps for hanging ornamentation. Conical ears protrude to the sides, a handle-shaped headdress with knob coiffure crowns the head. The red, white, and black pigmentation would have been added for vibrancy, perhaps to mimic the coloration of yams. Growing the largest yams was competitive and a status symbol amongst Abelam men, and this mask was used for festivals where the yam - a cherished and vital crop - was celebrated. Size: 11.75" W x 15.25" H (29.8 cm x 38.7 cm)

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#157394

  • Condition: Small tears to the headdress and minor areas where fibers are loose. Rich colors from painted pigmentation.

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August 27, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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