TWO BASKETRY YAMS MASKS

Description:

Abelam, Maprik area, Papua New Guinea
L. ca. 43-50 cm
The yam is a staple food throughout Papua New Guinea. The Abelam and Wosera tribes have developed their own cult around the root and on certain occasions the largest (longest) roots are awarded prizes and decorated, including with the distinctive woven masks made from plant fibres. Remains of painting.
From the collection of Eduard Crede (1899-1977) - Traces of age