Abelam Ceremonial Yam Mask Baba

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

Mesmerizing, tightly woven yam mask (baba, also known as bapamini) from the Abelam people of the Prince Alexander Mountains in the Sepik region of northeast New Guinea. This traditional mask is crafted from wild vine (Lygodium) fiber and features a prominent ridge for the nose, concentric rings for the eyes, and an elaborate crest adorned with zigzag patterns. Traces of yellow, white, black, and brownish-red pigments overlay a thin layer of mud or clay, adding depth and texture to the piece.

The bapamini masks are created by the Abelam and neighboring peoples, and are used to decorate the massive long yams that are grown and exchanged during the yam festival (wapisaki). Yam farming is a central aspect of Abelam society, and the success of the harvest is deeply tied to ritual practices. Strong emotions, including fighting and sexual activity, are considered taboo during the yam growing season, as it is believed that the yams possess spirits that can sense these emotions and be negatively impacted by them.

At harvest time, the largest and finest yams are presented during the wapisaki ceremony. These yams are transformed into human-like figures, decorated with intricate hand-woven and hand-painted masks like the one here, symbolizing the ceremonial regalia of the men. The pigments used on the masks are sourced from natural ochres and paints, and they are believed to possess magical properties, especially when mixed with specific ingredients for ceremonial use. The ochre painting is renewed with each use of the mask, creating a distinctive encrusted smoky patina that accumulates over time through frequent use and storage. This mask represents the profound cultural significance of yam farming and the artistry of the Abelam people, embodying both spiritual and social values.

Excellent condition. Age-related light wear and signs of ritual use. Size approx. 28,0cm x 19,5cm x 8,5cm

Provenance: Swedish 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.