Yam Mask

Item number Ie383 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

A bulging conical helmet style mask of woven rattan with a large crest for a nose and concentric rings for eyes. The back is open at lower bottom; the inside is unpainted. Exterior has geometric zig-zag designs around face, and block of colour on top of head. Black painted conical 'ears', one each side. A leather loop hangs from the top, a woven loop is at the tip of the nose.

History Of Use

At festivals following the yam harvest, the masks may be worn by new initiates or may cover prize yams. This reflects the association of yams with man. Only the dancer who personifies the spirit, Baba-tagwe, could wear the masks. The mask was decorated with flowers and orange berries, while the dancer's body was hidden with shredded sago leaves. Elders gave him presents of yams, etc., which he would place by the ngwalndu in the spirit house to ensure a good crop the next year. Unlike Tamberan House masks, a Tumbuan mask could be viewed by the whole village, including women and children.