Bukie Wood Yam Mask-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Tribal Art
There are subtle differences that distinguish a Bukie wooden yam mask from the more common examples produced by their immediate neighbors, the Abelam, to the southwest. First, the Bukie often have a post projecting from the bottom—one assumes to help lash the mask to the head of a massively rotund long yam. Also the eyes are usually almond shape and the nose more diminutive. This present example is a real beauty for its elegant and large head, the layers of colors and the dark glossy patina of age on the post and its reverse. Notice the tiny piercing through the bottom of the nose. The yam mask dates to the early 20th century, is 13” (33 cm) in height, ex. Olivier De Timmerman. SOLD