Abelam Ceremonial Yam Mask Baba treebarkfibrebags when a vast lake covered

when a vast lake covered the region during the Sahara’s “Green Period

compressed body

located on the Silk Road trade route between the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean Basin and the Han dynasty of China

Small chip in the rim and surface wear consistent with age and use

a neatly sculpted mustache

Abelam Ceremonial Yam Mask Baba treebarkfibrebags when a vast lake coveredAbelam people, mid. 20th century, Maprik district, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. Mesmerizing, tightly woven yam mask (baba, also known as bapamini) from the Abelam people of the Prince Alexander Mountains in the Sepik region of northeast New Guinea. This traditional mask is crafted from wild vine (Lygodium) fiber and features a prominent ridge for the nose, concentric rings for the eyes, and an elaborate crest adorned with zigzag patterns.