New Guinea Papua Yam Mask
$250.00
This New Guinea yam mask originates from the Abelam people of the Sepik River region, where yams are not just food but symbols of status, spirituality, and ancestral connection. These masks, intricately hand-carved from wood and adorned with natural pigments and fibers, are used to decorate ceremonial yams, which are grown and presented in competitive rituals that honor both agricultural prowess and lineage.
Yam masks are not worn by people but are instead attached to large, sacred yams, transforming them into revered beings. The designs, facial expressions, and patterns reflect the power and prestige of the grower, as well as the spirits believed to bless the harvest. In Abelam culture, the success of a yam harvest directly ties to spiritual harmony and communal prosperity.
Dimensions: 15L x 12W inches
Quantity
Please note:
All items are vintage and thoughtfully sourced. Due to the nature of vintage pieces, signs of age or wear may be present and are noted in each description. All sales are final.