Abelam Ceremonial Yam Mask Baba

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

Exceptional, tightly woven older yam mask (baba, also known as bapamini) from the Abelam people of the Prince Alexander Mountains, Sepik region, northeast New Guinea. This striking mask is crafted from wild vine (Lygodium) fiber, shaped in a bulging helmet style with a prominent ridge for the nose and concentric rings for the eyes. The mask features a cylindrical protuberance atop the head, enhancing its ceremonial form. A small woven loop adorns the tip of the nose, and a protruding cylindrical mouth adds to the mask's intriguing design. The back of the mask is open at the lower bottom, with the interior left unpainted. The exterior is decorated with geometric painted designs that wrap around the face, adding vibrant depth and symbolism to the piece.

The bapamini masks are used by the Abelam people and their neighbors to decorate the large, ceremonial yams grown and exchanged by men during the yam festival (wapisaki). Yam farming is a central part of Abelam society, and the cultivation of these yams is steeped in ritual and symbolism. During the growing season, emotions are kept in check, as it is believed that strong feelings such as fighting or sexual activity can hinder the growth of the yams, which are considered to have their own spirit.

At harvest time, the finest yams are presented at the wapisaki ceremony, where they are transformed into human-like figures and decorated with masks like this one. The masks, which are woven and hand-painted, represent the ceremonial regalia of the men. Natural ochres and paints are used to decorate the masks, and these colors are believed to hold magical properties when used with spells or mixed with specific ingredients. The ochre paint is renewed each time the masks are used, resulting in a distinctive encrusted patina developed through extensive use and storage. This mask is not only a powerful symbol of the Abelam’s spiritual and agricultural practices but also a stunning example of the artistry and craftsmanship of the region.

Eexcellent condition. Traces of yellow, white, dark brown and brownish red pigments over a thin layer of mud or a clay. Age-related wear and signs of use. Size approx. 27,0cm x 16,5cm x 20,5cm.

Provenance: Finnish 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.