Yam mask

Abelam people, PNG

15 inches, wood with natural pigments

The raising of giant yams is an important food source and also a matter of prestige in the community. Different types of masks are used to celebrate this important root vegetable, some woven of fiber and others carved out of wood. The yam harvest is an important event in many parts of PNG and good reason for celebration. This one in older and appears to have been used.

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