One of the major focuses of ceremonial life among the Abelam people of northeast New Guinea is the competitive growth and exchange of long yams. The Abelam cultivate two distinct categories of yams—a small variety used as ordinary food and long yams, massive tubers that can be as much as twelve feet long. A man’s social status is determined largely by his success in growing long yams. Each man has a permanent exchange partner to whom he ceremonially presents his largest yams
following the annual harvest, later receiving those of his rival in return. Men who are consistently able to give their partners longer yams than they receive gain great prestige. Lavishly adorned for the presentation ceremony, the finest long yams are essentially transformed into human images, decorated in the manner of men in full ceremonial regalia. The “heads” of the enormous tubers are adorned with specially made yam masks such as this one, which are made exclusively for yams and are never worn by humans.
measures 25 inches long and 10 inches wide. In good vintage condition with some signs of wear.
Consistent with age and use.
18%
WHERE TO PICK UP:
Private Residence
Milford, Connecticut 06461
(Winning Bidders Will Be Given Full Address VIA EMAIL)
Thursday, 3/14, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday, 3/16, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Milford, CT - Local Pick Up
Two Pick Up Dates: THURSDAY, March 14 from 10am - 3pm -- and -- SATURDAY, March 16 from 10am - 12pm.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact Auction Manager Shawn via TEXT at: 475-351-6749
Text only please as I spend the majority of the day in a building without service. Voicemails come through incomplete or do not come through in a timely fashion and therefore will not be returned. Please text or use the Auction Ninja messaging functionality for any questions.
THIRD PARTY SHIPPING REFERRAL:
**Please note there is no in house shipping for this auction** however, we recommend Connex Express for third party packaging and shipping -- this must be independently arranged by the winning bidder. Contact Connex for a quote before bidding. They can handle your items from start to finish including pickup.
Connex Express
415 Boston Post Rd Ste. 3
Milford, CT 06460
203-951-9588
Email preferred.
https://www.connexpress.com/Contact-Us
We are not affiliated with any particular shipper and you are welcome to source your own shipping/courier.
Note any 3rd party shipping pick up must adhere to the posted pick up time(s).
Shawn Miller | (475) 351-6749 | shawnie93@gmail.com
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