**First Time At Auction**

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, East Sepik, Abelam, early to mid-20th century CE. A highly stylized woven vegetal fiber mask, vividly hand-painted in hues of russet, burnt sienna, cream, and ochre and adorned with bird feathers along its bottom periphery. The sizable visage features 2 protruding circular eyes under arched brows, decorated with painted concentric circles of alternating colors. A long, raised nasal ridge divides the mask in half vertically, travelling from a high point at the top of the head and ending at an elongated slender nose that stretches above and beyond a gaping mouth painted with a triangular design, perhaps to represent a tongue. Size: 43" L x 22" H (109.2 cm x 55.9 cm)

The black, white, and red painted designs not only add to the mask's celebratory nature, but also mimic the colors of a cherished crop within Abelam society, the yam. In Papua New Guinea, yams can grow up to 12 feet long and are an important status symbol. Masks like this were traditionally used during a ceremony in which men dress up their yams as men, using fruits, flowers, leaves, and masks, such as this one. The man with the largest yam at the festival was regarded as having the most power.

Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection, acquired between 1950 and 1985

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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#163550

In very fine condition with only a bit of wear to the added feathers.