Abelam Ceremonial Yam Mask Baba treebarkfibrebags located on the Silk Road

located on the Silk Road trade route between the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean Basin and the Han dynasty of China

Small chip in the rim and surface wear consistent with age and use

They may have been intended for ritual use as symbolic weapon adornments

Cast in copper

Abelam Ceremonial Yam Mask Baba treebarkfibrebags located on the Silk RoadAbelam people, mid. 20th century, Maprik district, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Mesmerizing, tightly woven yam mask (baba, also known as bapamini) from the Abelam people of the Prince Alexander Mountains in the Sepik region of northeast New Guinea. This traditional mask is crafted from wild vine (Lygodium) fiber and features a prominent ridge for the nose, concentric rings for the eyes, and an elaborate crest adorned with zigzag patterns.