#17 • Papua New Guinea Yena Yam Figure

Part of Professor’s Collection Part One: Pacific & Pre-Columbian Artifacts (live auction by Blue Box Auction Gallery)

Starting at $75.00

Status: No sale

Estimated Value: $250-500 Origin: Papua New Guinea Dimensions: 5x4x16 in.  Condition: Wear the cracking of the paint or paste overtop of the wood carving Additional Information: A carved wooden mask or figure of of a males face with a beard. The face has a long nose and rounded mouth. The beard protrudes into a point. The wood is carved with a chipped style and appears to have had a paint or paste overtop that has worn off with time. The back is slightly hollowed and there's a hook on the back, and a plaque with numbers. The figure is believed to be used in Yam Harvest ceremonies and are significant in honoring spirits responsible for yam growth. Believed to be from the Abelam/Maprik culture from the Sepik River people in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea.