large and impressive ceremonial basketry mask accented with red and orange ochre paint. Among the Abelam, baba tagwa masks are worn by men in costumes made from strips of leaves. During ritual ceremonies, these imposing masked figures serve as guardians who would drive off women, children, and uninitiated men, who are not permitted to witness the secret initiation rites. Abelam peoples, Papua New Guinea. The Mask measures 14 x 12 inches. Provenance: From the collection of art historian Evan Maurer, co-author of Tabwa: The Rising of a New Moon & The Intelligence of Forms: An Artist Collects African Art.

Good, well handled