Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik, Abelam population, Maprik Mo - Lot 90

Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik, Abelam population, Maprik Mountains region Baba tagwa helmet mask, for ceremonial use Papua New Guinea. H. 35 cm. Mask in wickerwork (rushes) forming a helmet to completely envelop the wearer's head. A facial prominence beak-like facial prominence evokes an avian silhouette. Two circles, probably ears, protrude from the sides of the mask, and a protuberance attached to the forehead protrudes from the top of the mask. The basketry fibers are painted black and red, highly symbolic colors (linked to masculine and feminine). feminine). This mask could be adorned with a yam, a tuber that is a staple of the Abelam diet, or, more frequently be worn by an initiated member of the tribe. The latter is fully disguised by a skirt skirt made of plant fibers, who also carried a spear. The purpose of this disguised initiate was to to keep the uninitiated away from the festivities associated with the yam cycle. This type of mask is one of the Abelam's major artistic productions and has a very high symbolic value through its link with the sacred mysteries of Abelam beliefs. The basket-making techniques used to make this mask give it an interweaving of volumes of great aesthetic finesse. aesthetic finesse. Expert : Nicolas Corigliano - Cabinet Corail & Mana Selective bibliography : "Les Abelam", Ludovic COUPAYE in Ombres de Nouvelle-Guinée, Somogy, 2006 ; pp.70-87 Corpus for comparison: MET (New-York): n° 1979.206.1563 and 1979.206.1565