Bukie or Plains Arapesh Wooden Yam Mask-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
The Plains Arapesh—as so named by Margaret Mead in the 1930s—live on the southern slopes of the Prince Alexander Mountains. A few of their villages reach all the way down between the Abelam and West Yangoru Boiken folks. They have adopted both the customs and carving style that is often confused with their more known neighbors. One of the more subtle differences I have noted in the figurative work are heads with a distinct egg shape to them. A visit to the Pacific Hall at the American Museum of Natural History in New York is worthwhile because a number of Mead’s Plains Arapesh pieces are on display. Thus…this ancient wooden yam mask is a prime example of their underappreciated artistry. I think the sculptural quality of this face is bold and accomplished, perfect volumes, elegant curves. The large nose in high relief is deeply pierced, the tiny mouth is open just enough to allow the tip of a red painted tongue to poke out. If you were in doubt about the age of the piece please look at the backside. By God you will never see a more ancient example. The piece dates to the late 19th century, is 8 ¾” (22.1 cm) in height. SOLD