Lotto 834* - A207 Out of This World - lunedì, 04. dicembre 2023, 16h00
BABA TUMBWA MASK
East Sepik province, Papua New Guinea
Circa 1930
Wicker (wood)
Circa 60 × 90 cm
Circa 1930
Wicker (wood)
Circa 60 × 90 cm
Provenance: Private collection, Switzerland
The Abelam are a people who live in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. They are a farming society, living in the Prince Alexander Mountains near the north coast of the island. Famous for their artwork and towering spirit houses, they grow different varieties of yams which are of great cultural importance.
In the Abelam culture, the Baba Tumbwa masks are part of the male initiation cycle and are worn together with costumes made of leaves. Made from wicker and decorated with natural pigments, these impressive masks are worn by the men that play the role of the guards who, brandishing bamboo spears, turn away all those who are not allowed to attend the secret rites, such as women, children and uninitiated men. The guards are not to be feared as they represent the Spirits of Generations. In addition to the Baba Tumbwa masks, the Abelams also created another type of mask in wicker. These are the Yam masks used to decorate the gigantic potatoes grown by the men of the community. A common behaviour among the Abelams is their competitive attitude in growing the large sweet potatoes, which produce enormous tubers reaching as much as 3 metres in length. They are often exchanged with the people living in other villages and the social status inside the tribe is mainly established by the individual’s ability in growing these sweet potatoes.
During the ceremony of exchange, the best potatoes are richly decorated so that they show human features; even the ‘heads’ of the enormous tubers are ‘dressed’ with Yam masks, made solely for the sweet potatoes and never worn by human beings. Aside from their economic, social and political importance in the inner balance of these tribes, the potatoes play a considerable role in their religious beliefs, as they form a connection with the ancient Abelam forefathers.
The Baba Tumbwa mask presented here is in excellent condition and was probably worn in situ during tribal ceremonies. With its intricate wicker pattern, masterfully created details and beautiful bright blue and red colours, it is one of the most spectacular specimens of its kind and a true gem of the rich and expressive Abelam culture.
The Abelam are a people who live in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. They are a farming society, living in the Prince Alexander Mountains near the north coast of the island. Famous for their artwork and towering spirit houses, they grow different varieties of yams which are of great cultural importance.
In the Abelam culture, the Baba Tumbwa masks are part of the male initiation cycle and are worn together with costumes made of leaves. Made from wicker and decorated with natural pigments, these impressive masks are worn by the men that play the role of the guards who, brandishing bamboo spears, turn away all those who are not allowed to attend the secret rites, such as women, children and uninitiated men. The guards are not to be feared as they represent the Spirits of Generations. In addition to the Baba Tumbwa masks, the Abelams also created another type of mask in wicker. These are the Yam masks used to decorate the gigantic potatoes grown by the men of the community. A common behaviour among the Abelams is their competitive attitude in growing the large sweet potatoes, which produce enormous tubers reaching as much as 3 metres in length. They are often exchanged with the people living in other villages and the social status inside the tribe is mainly established by the individual’s ability in growing these sweet potatoes.
During the ceremony of exchange, the best potatoes are richly decorated so that they show human features; even the ‘heads’ of the enormous tubers are ‘dressed’ with Yam masks, made solely for the sweet potatoes and never worn by human beings. Aside from their economic, social and political importance in the inner balance of these tribes, the potatoes play a considerable role in their religious beliefs, as they form a connection with the ancient Abelam forefathers.
The Baba Tumbwa mask presented here is in excellent condition and was probably worn in situ during tribal ceremonies. With its intricate wicker pattern, masterfully created details and beautiful bright blue and red colours, it is one of the most spectacular specimens of its kind and a true gem of the rich and expressive Abelam culture.
CHF 3 500 / 4 500 | (€ 3 610 / 4 640)
Venduto per CHF 7 500 (incl. premio dell'acquirente)
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