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This spectacular authentic vintage mid-20th century tribal artifact is a hand-woven basketry Yam Mask (known as a Baba or Bapamini) from the Abelam people of the Maprik District, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Masterfully hand-crafted from split rattan and wild vine fibers, this ceremonial sculpture features a striking openwork design with an elongated nose ridge and a towering, leaf-shaped openwork crown crest.
Unlike traditional masks worn by people, these sacred ethnographic objects were woven exclusively to dress and decorate massive, prized long yams displayed during competitive village harvest exchange festivals. It retains its highly desirable vintage descriptive collector's string tag detailing its origin in the Maprik district. A phenomenal statement piece of authentic Oceanic folk art perfect for gallery exhibition or global-styled home interiors.
ITEM DETAILS:
- Culture/Origin: Abelam People, Maprik Region, Papua New Guinea
- Object Type: Baba / Bapamini Ceremonial Yam Mask
- Era: Circa 1960s / 1970s (Mid-20th Century)
- Medium: Hand-Woven Coiled Plant Fiber / Split Rattan
- Documentation: Includes vintage paper descriptive provenance string tag
- Measurements: [INSERT]
CONDITION:
Excellent vintage tribal condition. The woven rattan structure remains remarkably sturdy, tight, and rigid with a beautiful, natural honey-amber age patina throughout the fibers. Free from major crushing, heavy unraveling, or post-collection structural damage. The point at the bottom has seperated. Cannot see from display and structurally sound. See photos. Displays authentic, light wear typical of historic ethnographic textiles, which perfectly highlights its ceremonial background.
