Title: Yam Mask. Date: early to mid-20th century. Geography: Papua New Guinea, Prince Alexander Mountains, Middle Sepik River region. Culture: Abelam people. Medium: Fiber, …

Basket yam masks are an essential part of the elaborate yam harvest ceremonies and festivals for the Abelam people of the East Sepik Province. Rituals associated with yams form the basis of …

When decorated, the yams represent ancestral spirits called nggwal. Nggwal do not act by themselves but must be encouraged with offerings, chants, and decorations. The decorations …

The large decorated yams are believed to be live embodiments of the ancestors and the masks play a central role in representing the spiritual beings. Power and status are directly related to …

Masks are used to cover long yams in a ceremony showing the men's gardening prowess. It is of utmost importance in the culture. the Abelam believe only men can grow long yams.

The Abelam peoples hold elaborate yam harvest ceremonies and festivals, during which yams are displayed and accessorized with colorful masks. Larger masks, like this one, are worn by men …

Feb 19, 2019 · The longest yams in particular are transformed to depict human figures. They are presented in full ceremonial attire. The tops or “heads” or the yams receive a special …

The best yams are dressed with masks and named as ancestral spirits. Feathers, bright flowers, fruits, and colorful leaves are added to the display. Hundreds of yams of all sizes are …

Yam Mask c. 1990. Abelem, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Martha J. Stevens Collection. Worn not by people, but by giant yams – that grow as big as twelve feet long. A …

During the yam lining, wooden yam masks and balsa wood heads are used, along with basket yam masks, to create the nggwal spirits of the long yams. The carved wooden faces are often …