Yam Mask

Browse the collection

Culture Abelam

Title Yam Mask

Date Early 20th century

Medium Fiber, straw, cane, and and pigment

Dimensions Object: 16 × 12 3/4 × 12 5/16 in. (40.6 × 32.4 × 31.3 cm)
Overall: 16 x 12 3/4 x 12 5/16 in. (40.6 x 32.4 x 31.3 cm)

Credit Line Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Duke Marks, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 62.112

Share this artwork!

About this Work

Among the Abelam peoples, who live in the Prince Alexander Mountains north of the Sepik River, two of the most important elements of spiritual life were male initiations into adulthood and the ceremonial growth and exchange of yams. The yam ceremony was a sacred activity connected to the fertility of the community. It was also connected to a man’s social status, which was based, in part, on the size of the yam he was able to produce. The display of these yams was a public event, and both the men and the yams were ornamented. Men often wore headdresses, and the yams were often adorned with miniature masks and headdresses

Provenance
More Details

Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

Viewing Information
This artwork is currently off display. You may be able to see this artwork by filling out an art viewing room request.

Request this Image
The Eskenazi Museum of Art provides images of its collection, free of charge, upon request. This artwork is under copyright protection. You can request the image and it will be emailed to you when the request is complete.

Cite this Page
"Yam Mask | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=62.112