(Click to enlarge)
This is a Yam Cult Figure from the early 1960’s, or rather, this is a watercolour of one. The original was carved and painted in Papua New Guinea's East Sepik Province by the Warasei People.
It is a carving that was displayed during yam harvest festivals... The triangular designs below the face symbolise banana leaves, and the wave like form carved in relief running along the axis is a snake.
(Island Ancestors: Oceanic Art from the Masco Collection, A. Wardell, University of Washington Press.)
(Island Ancestors: Oceanic Art from the Masco Collection, A. Wardell, University of Washington Press.)
This week I have three large-scale mask paintings to share with you. This, I think, is my favourite; maybe because of its smile.
Hope you're having a great Tuesday.
