Ceremonial board "yamate" ·  Papua New Guinea, Mimika (Kamoro people) · ID: 3040052

Description

wood, brown patina, black paint, traces of white pigment, red and yellow ochre, coated by a network of narrow and wider webs, the areas inbetween dyed in different colours, carved with head and tail feathers of a stylized bird, slightly dam., abrasion of paint, water spots;
“yamate” ceremonial boards are representations of recently deceased ancestors. They are used in a complex “emakame” ritual honouring the dead and celebrating the renewal of life. Some “yamate” were also used on festive occasions as ornaments on the prows of canoes.