Abelam Ceremonial Yam Fan

Abelam people, early to mid. 20th century, Maprik district, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea.

An absolutely gorgeous ceremonial yam fan from the Abelam people, early to mid-20th century, Maprik district, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Used in conjunction with basketry masks (baba) or small balsa heads, yam fans are integral to the decoration of the giant yams grown by the Abelam men. Yam farming was central to Abelam society, and ceremonial yams were meticulously cared for with strong cultural beliefs guiding their growth. During the growing season, emotions were kept minimal, as it was thought that strong feelings such as fighting or sexual activity could impede the yams' growth.

At harvest time, the villagers gathered for the yam festival ceremony, where the farmers presenting the largest and finest yams often gained higher status and social rank. These prized yams were decorated like human figures in full ceremonial regalia, with the heads of the yams adorned by finely woven and hand-painted vegetal masks made especially for them, never worn by people.

This fantastic, aged yam fan is made from woven fibers and grasses, colored with natural pigments, and mounted on a custom-made iron stand. Traces of yellow, black, and brownish-red pigments are applied over a thin layer of mud or clay, creating a striking and distinctive appearance. This piece beautifully encapsulates the Abelam people’s reverence for their ceremonial yams and the intricate artistry involved in their rituals.

Excellent condition. Size approx. 26,0cm x 27,2cm x 1,3cm (excluded modern stand).

Provenance: Dutch private collection

References and further reading:

Abelam Masks: New Perspectives, Richard Scaglion, 2020, Tribal Art No. 96, pp. 42-49. 

The Stars Are Eyes: A New Perspective on the Art of the Abelam, Marc Assayag, Montreal: Marc Assayag, 2019.