Abelam Ceremonial Yam Mask Baba

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

A magnificent and tightly woven yam mask (baba, also known as bapamini) from the Abelam people, mid-20th century, Maprik district, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. This traditional mask is intricately woven from wild vine (Lygodium) fiber, featuring a prominent ridge for the nose, concentric rings for the eyes, and an elaborate crest decorated with animated zigzag patterns. Traces of yellow, white, black, and brownish-red pigments are applied over a thin layer of mud or clay, adding to the mask’s depth and visual intrigue.

The Abelam people, along with neighboring communities in the Prince Alexander Mountains, are renowned for creating various types of basketry masks, and the bapamini is a prominent example. These masks are used to decorate the giant yams cultivated and exchanged competitively by Abelam men. Yam farming is at the heart of Abelam society, with ceremonial significance attached to the growth and harvest of these yams. During the growing season, the Abelam strictly regulated emotions, as it was believed that strong feelings such as fighting or sexual activity could hinder the yams' growth.

The yam festival (wapisaki) is a key event in the Abelam calendar, where the finest yams are presented for ceremonial purposes. Farmers who grew the largest and best yams gained social recognition, as these yams were adorned like human figures in ceremonial regalia. The heads of these yams were decorated with finely woven masks like the baba.

The pigments used on the baba masks are derived from natural ochres and paints, and these colors are believed to hold magical properties when used with spells or mixed with specific ingredients. The ochre painting is often renewed with each use of the mask, resulting in an encrusted, smoky patina that builds up over time through repeated use and storage, adding to the piece’s historical and ritual significance. This beautiful and evocative mask exemplifies the cultural richness and ceremonial importance of the Abelam people.

Excellent condition. Age-related light wear and signs of ritual use. Mounted on a custom made iron stand. Size approx. 31,0cm x 18,5cm x 4,5cm (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.