New Guinea, Maprik hill, Abelam, Wosera: a plaited yam mask.
The light-coloured yam root is part of the basic diet throughout most of Oceania. Especially in New Guinea, in the Maprik hills to the north of the Sepik River, a remarkable cult of the yam root has developed among the Abelam and Wosera tribes, with the aim of harvesting the largest possible quantity of roots. The biggest yam roots receive a prize in competitions. On the occasion of religious harvest festivals, the largest yam roots from the last harvest are decorated with small, plaited masks, such as the present one, called ‘Baba mini’. Additionally, the roots are embellished with ornaments and painted.
According to the belief of the Abelam and Wosera, this ceremonial outfit ritually and temporarily transforms the roots into benevolent ancestors or spirits. The present ‘Baba mini’ yam mask is carefully and thickly plaited from heavy plant fibres, coloured red black and white on the front side, and featuring two cowrie shells as eyes. With good, shiny usage patina on the back. First half of the 20th century; H 30 cm, W: 28 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian private collection.
Lit.: ‘Ozeanische Kunst’ by Anthony J. P. Meyer, text & ill. p. 275.
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Prezzo realizzato: **
-
EUR 625,-
- Stima:
-
EUR 800,- a EUR 1.000,-
New Guinea, Maprik hill, Abelam, Wosera: a plaited yam mask.
The light-coloured yam root is part of the basic diet throughout most of Oceania. Especially in New Guinea, in the Maprik hills to the north of the Sepik River, a remarkable cult of the yam root has developed among the Abelam and Wosera tribes, with the aim of harvesting the largest possible quantity of roots. The biggest yam roots receive a prize in competitions. On the occasion of religious harvest festivals, the largest yam roots from the last harvest are decorated with small, plaited masks, such as the present one, called ‘Baba mini’. Additionally, the roots are embellished with ornaments and painted.
According to the belief of the Abelam and Wosera, this ceremonial outfit ritually and temporarily transforms the roots into benevolent ancestors or spirits. The present ‘Baba mini’ yam mask is carefully and thickly plaited from heavy plant fibres, coloured red black and white on the front side, and featuring two cowrie shells as eyes. With good, shiny usage patina on the back. First half of the 20th century; H 30 cm, W: 28 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian private collection.
Lit.: ‘Ozeanische Kunst’ by Anthony J. P. Meyer, text & ill. p. 275.
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
|
Hotline dell'acquirente
lun-ven: 10.00 - 17.00
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| Asta: | Tribal Art |
| Tipo d'asta: | Asta in sala |
| Data: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Luogo dell'asta: | Wien | Palais Dorotheum |
| Esposizione: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |
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