Yam Mask (Baba Tagwa)

Abelam people, Papua New Guinea, 2nd quar. 20th c.

Fiber with pigments

19” h x 12.5” w x 13” d (48.26 x 31.75 x 33 cm)

SOLD

 
 

These helmet masks, called baba tagwa and used in male initiation ceremonies, would be worn over the head rather than placed around a yam as in the case of tje yam masks. A finely woven old example.