Description Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Wingei Village, Abelam people, Prince Alexander Range, ca. early 20th century CE. A rare example of a wooden mask, used to celebrate the yam cult that has developed around the staple crop of the people in this region. It has an elongated anthropomorphic face with deepset eyes, sharply defined brows, and a long, thin nose. A curved crest rises above the mask, which also has a scooped neck and defined, blocky ears. Size: 5.15" W x 13.75" H (13.1 cm x 34.9 cm); 16.9" H (42.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Australian collection
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#156157
Condition Report One side is very weathered, with inactive insect damage and losses to its surface and back. The other side is in nicer condition with clear form. The upper part has a weathered fissure down its center. Rich patina on all surfaces.