Yams mask "silgu"
Click here to view a larger version of the imageLot: 22
85th Tribal Art AuctionYams mask "silgu"
Papua New Guinea, Abelam
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
H: 7.7 inch | This object is not available anymore. |
lygodium, openworked, wickerwork coated with layers of pigments, which means that this particular yam mask must have adorned the head of a number of particular long yam roots;
masks of that kind were used when the "big yam" was harvested. The fruit was looked upon as a spiritual being and was adorned with such masks and feathers of the white cockatoo.