Lot 382

7 Papua New Guinea Abelam Yam Masks + Penis Gourd

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7 Papua New Guinea Abelam Yam Masks + Penis Gourd

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Starting Bid: $350

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
July 30, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Oceania, Papua New Guinea, Abelam Culture, ca. mid-20th century CE. A collection of 7 miniature woven yam masks, each hand-crafted from natural basketry fibers and decorated with pigments in red, white, ochre, and black. These spirited creations represent ancestral beings and were traditionally made to adorn large ceremonial yams displayed during annual harvest festivals, symbolizing fertility, prestige, and deep reverence for the ancestral realm. The elongated gourd is a koteka, also known as a horim, penis gourd, or penis sheath, made from a hollowed gourd with a rattan weave around the rim and cord to tie around the wearer. Size of largest mask: 10.3" L x 5.75" W (26.2 cm x 14.6 cm)

Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Ron Perry collection, acquired from Frank Patania Gallery

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Item # 198048

  • Condition: Tightly woven and good condition. Some flaking to pigments when handled. Gourd is intact, with some minor fraying to woven rattan.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000