YAM MASK

Abelam culture, Maprik region, Papua New Guinea

First half of the 20th century

Wood and pigments

H.: 89; L.: 37; Thickness: 30 cm

(old accidents)

Important wooden mask carved into an anthropomorphic face with a long beard

It takes up the characteristic features of the culture: slender nose, protruding nostrils, eyes in inverted triangles, small ears in relief on the temples, a collared beard and a protuberance at the top. It is entirely covered with polychrome pigments referring in particular to facial paintings.

This mask refers to the annual ceremonies during which yam masks of different sizes appeared – the largest formats were rarer.

These ceremonies made it possible in particular to favor the harvests to come.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP: 3296