New Guinea Abelam head dress

New Guinea Abelam head ornament

Old Abelam headdress known as a “ wagnen’ or“notu”. It is worn by male initiates and is attached to the back of the head with the design protruding above. Most wagnens are made in this teardrop shape which symbolises the very distinctive and dramatic front facades of the mens spirit houses.

Collected in the late 1940-50s in the Sepik river Maprik Hills region

69cm x 34cm

$1200 AUD