Product Description

Yam Masks or “Babamini”, are made by the Abelam people of Papua New Guinea. These masks are ancestral spirit images used to decorate, consecrate, and celebrate the ancestors at the yam harvest festival.
Ceremonial yams grow up to 12 feet long and are decorated with masks, flowers, fruit, and leaves to resemble men at the last stage of initiation. These yam ‘men’ are believed to be present as living beings capable of hearing and seeing. Men make these basketry masks and paint them with clay pigments and natural paints. The masks are carefully stored each year after the yam ceremonies then repainted and reused the next year. This one is 10.25 inches tall and 4.75 inches wide. It is painted with red clay paint and has a nice dark age patina.
Priced at $70 plus $15 shipping costs within the US (Please see below for important shipping information)
Total cost will be $85
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SHIPPING COSTS: Shipping has gotten very pricey and changes regularly. I have no interest in making money on shipping costs. You can order with confidence. I promise you if I can ship your purchase for less than the quoted price I will immediately refund the difference. If it costs more than the quoted price I will honor that price.
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