Yam-mask "silgu"
Papua New Guinea - Maprik
not available anymore
Size
H: 35,5 cm
H: 14.0 inch
Description
lygodium, painted with red and yellow ochre, black and white pigment, vaulted mask face with crested comb, diadem-shaped head ornament, partly in openwork-design, paint rubbed off;
masks of that kind were used when the “big yam” was harvested. The fruit was looked upon as a spiritual being and was adorned with such masks and feathers of the white cockatoo.