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Lot #9398 - A Finely Woven Abelam Bapa Tagwa Mask, Abelam People, Southern Abelam Area, Prince Alexander Mountains,

  • Auction House:
    Theodore Bruce
  • Sale Name:
    Timed Online Auction | The Todd Barlin Collection of Oceanic and Asian Art | Day II
  • Sale Date:
    09 Aug 2022 ~ 6pm (AEST)
  • Lot #:
    9398
  • Lot Description:
    A Finely Woven Abelam Bapa Tagwa Mask, Abelam People, Southern Abelam Area, Prince Alexander Mountains,
    East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Mid-20th Century.
    45 x 40 cm
  • Provenance:
    The Todd Barlin Collection of Oceanic Art
  • Notes:
    The Abelam and neighbouring peoples of the Prince Alexander Mountains in the Sepik region of northeast New Guinea create several types of basketry masks. They include the type seen worn here, known in the Abelam language as bapa tagwa, which is worn over the head like a helmet. Among the Abelam, baba tagwa masks are associated with the male initiation cycle, in which they are worn by men clad in shaggy costumes made from 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.
  • Estimate:
    A$300 - 500
  • Realised Price:
    $0.00
  • Category:
    Tribal

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.



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