Abelam Yam Mask (Babamini)

Abelam Yam Mask (Babamini)

Oceanic

Abelam culture

Papua New Guinea, Sepik River region

The Abelam culture of the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea create different masks and sculptures for use in religious ceremonies. These works are often carved from wood, and then they are painted in four bright colors, which include red, white, yellow, and black. Because yams are a primary subsistence crop for the Abelam, the growing of yams is accompanied by many ceremonies. The length of the yam is considered to be representative of the farmer's virtue; the ability to effectively observe certain taboos during the growing season - in particular, refraining from having sex - are considered to be very important to the successful growing of yams. Virgin boys till the ground for planting, and all men who participate in farming are expected to refrain from sex throughout the growing season.

After the yams are harvested, they are used in rituals of exchange to earn prestige and honor. A ceremonial men's house is constructed, and yam masks, or Babamini, are made for these rituals. The Babamini represent ancestor spirits; some are woven from plant fibers and placed on the end of a yam, while other Babamini, like the mask in this exhibit, are carved from wood and painted, provided with a basketry base, and attached to the top of the yam for the ritual.

Researched & conserved by Catherine Munoz

20th c.

74.9 cm h. x 27.5 cm w. x 15.2 cm d.

sculpture

wood, pigment

carving

Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Morton D. May, 1967

1971.166 B12

1971

20110087