Abelam, Prince Alexander Mountains, PNG.

a) Wood Yam Mask, Arapesh people, Prince Alexander Mountains, PNG. Early 20th C. These elegant wooden yam masks, with a long handle-like projection, are found just east of the Abelam, among a group called Bukie, who were studied and referred to by Margaret Mead as the “Arapesh”. These wood masks are relatively rare, among these related cultures whose yam masks are generally of woven cane. Among the most beautiful of this yam-growing region, ex-old New Zealand collection.

b) A large wooden Abelam yam mask from an early Sydney collection. The mask is finely carved and especially painted. Such wooden masks are found only among the eastern Abelam, close to the Arapesh, around such villages as Wingei and Kombikum. The back has a volumous wooden loop, typical of these masks, to secure the mask to the yam for ceremonial presentation. Mid-20th Century. ex-old Sydney collection, in storage for 40 years.

a) 38 x 10 x 6 cm
b) 64 x 22 x 12 cm