New Guinea Artifacts - Yam Mask, #9173 $100.00

Yam masks, or “babamini” are used during the traditional yam harvest festival to honor the ancestors. Commonly made from rattan and bark and then painted with natural pigments, artifacts such as this expressive yam mask, are often overlooked by U.S. collectors but are highly regarded by Europeans. These unique yam masks are some of the only truly genuine, traditional ceremonial masks still available at a reasonable price. The Abelam people of the Wosera area has, more than many other areas of New Guinea, maintained their traditional culture. Circa 1980s, this traditional yam mask heavily encrusted with paint and nice patina measures 8 inches tall by 5.5 inches wide #9173 Yam Mask, Abelam people, Wosera area, Papua New Guinea