Sometimes an artifact's expressive power is increased through wear or damage. Such is the case with this Abelam wood yam mask. The lower portion of the face and chin of this piece has been worn away over time. The remaining portion has a haunting presence not normally associated with the usually benign yam mask. The piece has many layers of pigments, a strong visual record of age and ritual use, and a very insect riddled reverse (nothing active of course). The mask is 8" in height and sells for $1200.