This is a Wonderful Vintage Woven and Dyed Fiber Yam Headdress from the Abelam People of Northwest Papua New Guinea. One of the major focuses of ceremonial life among the Abelam people is the competitive growth and exchange of long yams. The Abelam cultivate two distinct categories of yams. Their is a small variety used as ordinary food and long yams, massive tubers that can be as much as twelve feet long. A man’s social status is determined largely by his success in growing long yams. Each man has a permanent exchange partner to whom he ceremonially presents his largest yams following the annual harvest, later receiving those of his rival in return. Men who are consistently able to give their partners longer yams than they receive gain great prestige. Lavishly adorned for the presentation ceremony, the finest long yams are essentially transformed into human images, decorated in the manner of men in full ceremonial regalia. The “heads” of the enormous tubers are adorned with specially made yam masks such as this one, which are made exclusively for yams and are never worn by humans. This is a beautiful yam fiber headdress and would be a lovely addition to your collection.
Mid-20th century
COMES ON A STAND
Shows age, discoloration and fraying on the edges, but overall it is in good condition.
Headdress on Stand
22" tall
Headdress
19" tall
18" wide
AT BACARA WE STAND BEHIND ALL OF OUR MERCHANDISE. WE CAN PROVIDE REFERENCES FOR ALL ARTIFACTS THAT WE SELL, AS WELL AS DOCUMENTATION TOWARD THEIR AUTHENTICITY. FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT BACARA. #6
WE OFFER LAYAWAY OPTIONS PLEASE CONTACT US
Just contact me within: 3 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 7 days of delivery
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for: