Abelam Ceremonial Yam Mask Baba treebarkfibrebags Cast in copper

Cast in copper

The solid bronze body is completely intact and covered with a dark green to black patina

Small chip in the rim and surface wear consistent with age and use

when a vast lake covered the region during the Sahara’s “Green Period

Abelam Ceremonial Yam Mask Baba treebarkfibrebags Cast in copperAbelam 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.