Kemama

Kemama is a term used in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea, primarily by the Abelam people. It refers to a type of yam mask or yam spirit, central to their yam cult and agricultural rituals. These masks are intricately woven and decorated, often representing ancestral spirits and playing a crucial role in the harvest cycle.

Kemama masks are not merely decorative; they are believed to embody the vital force and fertility necessary for a successful yam harvest. The masks are displayed during yam festivals and ceremonies, signifying the connection between the Abelam people, their ancestors, and the land. The size and decoration of the Kemama often reflect the prestige and status of the individual or group that cultivated the yam. The rituals associated with Kemama are complex and involve elaborate preparation, dancing, singing, and offerings to ensure the continued abundance of the yam crop.