Helmet-shaped basketry mask "baba tagwa" · Papua New Guinea, Prince Alexander Mountains - Middle Sepik River, Abelam · ID: 3052343
Patrik Fröhlich, Zurich, Switzerland (2005)
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)
The object Helmet-shaped basketry mask “baba tagwa” with the object ID 3052343 was last part of the auction Auction 105 at November 15, 2025 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 159.
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