This is a wooden Asmat carving possibly intended for placement on a bis pole. The entire piece is covered in a chalky white pigment, with accents painted in black and red. The carving features three human forms contorted into abstract shapes which form a curved rectangular frame. Each human form shares similar characteristics and are all depicted as being on their elbows and knees. Much of the red and black paint is intact, but much of the white paint has since faded with time or exposure.
Carvings such as this are traditionally intended to be placed atop bis poles, which serve important ceremonial functions in Asmat culture. Whenever an individual dies, a bis pole depicting all the ancestors of the deceased is erected outside of their home. The poles remain in place until a headhunting raid has been undertaken to restore the balance which was disrupted by the individual’s death. Death in Asmat society was never accidental and was believed to be the result of either enemy headhunting or enemy sorcery. After the deceased had been avenged, the carvings and bis poles would be discarded in the rainforest so that the spirits which inhabited them could rejuvenate the sago trees.
Colors: White, Red, Brown, Black
