Helmet-shaped basketry mask "baba tagwa" · Papua New Guinea, Prince Alexander Mountains - Middle Sepik River, Abelam · ID: 3052343
Starting price
EUR 1,200
Estimated price
EUR 3,000
Provenance
Lorenz Eckert, Basel, SwitzerlandPatrik Fröhlich, Zurich, Switzerland (2005)
Size
H: 38,5 cm
H: 15.2 inch
Description
lygodium strips, clay, pigments, remains of human hair, base
“Baba-tagwa” masks among the Abelam are associated with the male initiation cycle, during which they are worn by men dressed in shaggy costumes made of strips of leaves.”During certain ceremonies, these imposing masked figures serve as guards. Brandishing lengths of bamboo or other weapons, the “baba tagwa” drive off women, children, and uninitiated men, who are not permitted to witness the secret initiation rites. (THE MET)