Yam mask

Wosera area, Sepik River, PNG

15.5 inches, woven rattan with natural pigments

Ceremonial yams grow up to 12 feet long. A man’s status is judged by his ability to grow big ones. During the festival, the yams are decorated with masks, flowers, fruit, and leaves until they resemble men. These yam ‘men’ are believed to be present as living beings capable of hearing and seeing. A man does not keep his yams but exchanges them with his traditional exchange partner. The partner with the biggest yams is seen to have the most power. These are woven and painted with natural pigments by men, not women. This one is in good condition and has an especially nice design.