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Fiber Polychrome Mask Yam Ancestor Papua New Guinea

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A well preserved Yam Ancestor mask professionally presented on a museum quality acrylic display stand. The mask was a classic tribal art piece from Abelam people who live in Maprik area of the MId Sepik River region in Papua New Guinea. Yam is the main agricultural produce and a major food resource for the communities. As a result, many rituals and ceremonies developed around the planting, cultivating and harvesting yams. The mask was woven in a specific style and heavily painted with ochre and other earth pigments to depict the yam ancestor who is believed to dwell in the plants. Such masks are integral to the "Yam" culture and widely used in the dancing ceremonies.
The mask is small but very well made. It retains a deep surface patina that shows rubbing and crackle caking of the pigments, indicating that it was used in the field before being collected. It was sewn onto the acrylic stand so that it appears floating in the air.

More Information

Origin:	Papua New Guinea
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	woven grass, earth pigment, acrylic stand
Condition:	Good. Original patina, presented on the acrylic stand which has very minor wear due to contact.
Creation Date:	first half of 20th century
Styles / Movements:	Tribal, Outsider Art, Bespoke
Patterns:	Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	457631

Dimensions

W.	9.5 in;	H.	13.5 in;	Diam.	3.25 in;
W.	24.13 cm;	H.	34.29 cm;	Diam.	8.26 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.

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