Papua New Guinea yam exhibit opens July 8; Gallery Talk on July 13

June 30, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla.— Beginning July 8, the Harn Museum of Art will exhibit the artwork of Papua New Guinea in an exhibition entitled “Cultivating Spirits: The Art of Sepik River Yam Displays.”

The exhibition focuses on the ritual display of yams that occurs around the time of harvest in Sepik River societies. For many Sepik peoples, yams are not only a vital food source but also the manifestations of the power of clan spirits.

During harvest rites, male members of clan-based organizations construct monumental ceremonial houses for the storage and display of the yams. The actual yams, reaching up to 12 feet in length, are decorated and displayed in the ceremonial houses, and they are filled with painted reliefs and free-standing sculptures. Yam displays enhance the status of male-yam cultivators, clan members and ancestors.

Rick and Aase Thompson, whose artwork is on view in the exhibition, will host a Gallery Talk at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 13 at the Harn.

The exhibition is comprised of 25 works from the Harn collection and the C. Frederick and Aase B. Thompson Foundation. “Cultivating Spirits” is on display until Sept. 21.