Early to mid 20th century Balsa wooden yam mask, from the Abelam tribe of the Sepik region, Papua New Guinea

A rare and interesting vintage near antique Balsa wooden yam mask, circa early to mid 20th century, from the Abelam tribe of the Sepik region in Papua New Guinea. The mask depicts an abstract face with inset cowrie shell eyes. While the paint is worn, one may still see traces of red as well as the natural brown hues of the timber. This would have been used for harvest festivals, surrounding the cherished giant yam plant, the staple crop of the Abelam people. 

This would traditionally have been used to adorn the heads of these huge tubers, rather than humans, as these tubers could denote the status of a person in their society. The size of the yams would determine the person’s prestige as well as serving as an important good in a society that was traditionally based on competitive giving. Therefore, the finest long yams would have been as lavishly adorned as menfolk were, using ceremonial masks and full regalia. These yams could grow up to 10-12 feet in length. 

Examples of these yam masks can be seen in the Metropolitan Museum of New York. 

Comes with original custom stand.

Price marked at $650 AUD.

Measurements: Mask approx. 31.5 cm high, 21cm across. Total height incl. stand 39cm. 

Very good vintage near antique condition with wear overall commensurate with oceanic antiques. Wear to stand as pictured.