20th C. Papua New Guinea Abelam Basalt Yam Effigy - Aug 19, 2021 | Artemis Gallery In Co
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20th C. Papua New Guinea Abelam Basalt Yam Effigy

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20th C. Papua New Guinea Abelam Basalt Yam Effigy
20th C. Papua New Guinea Abelam Basalt Yam Effigy
Item Details
Description
Oceania, Papua New Guinea, lower Sepik River Valley, Abelam, ca. mid-20th century CE. A fine anthropomorphic effigy hand-carved from red-hued basalt. The intriguing sculpture presents in the form of an ovoid head with stylized features, such as huge, almond-shaped eyes beneath an arched brow, a long nasal bridge, flared nostrils, and a pair of full, smiling lips held slightly open, all flanked by a pair of high-set ears. The earthy red tone of the rock is not surprisingly reminiscent of a yam - a highly prized crop in in the Sepik River Valley. In Papua New Guinea, yams can grow up to 12 feet long and are an important status symbol. Every year during the yam harvest, the Abelam people hold a ceremony in which men dress up their yams as men, using fruits, flowers, leaves, and ornate masks. The man with the largest yam at the festival was regarded as having the most power. Please note that display stand is for photography purposes only. Size: 4.25" W x 9.375" H (10.8 cm x 23.8 cm)

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, acquired in 2006; ex-Tad Dale collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#162932
Condition
Drill hole in bottom with removable metal pole, likely previously for display stand. Some nicks, scratches, and abrasions. Otherwise, very nice with light encrustations in areas.
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20th C. Papua New Guinea Abelam Basalt Yam Effigy

Estimate $1,000 - $1,500
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Starting Price $500
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