This is a wooden Asmat ancestor carving depicting three individuals positioned on top of one another. The entire piece is unpainted and is made of dark dense wood with a dark brown finish. The figures are of ambiguous sex, as they all lack the characteristic features of Asmat art which differentiate genders. The bottom figure is standing with knees bent and arms holding a large wedge which connects with the ground and their chest. The two upper figures are embracing and are positioned above the lower figure’s head. The right upper figure is larger than the left upper figure. The upper left figure has their head turned to their right facing away from the upper right figure.
Pieces such as these are usually carved in the image of ancestors of the artist who created them. They are used for a variety of purposes, some practical and some ceremonial. Ancestor reverence plays an important role in Asmat society, as the spirits of the deceased are believed to have a tangible impact on the natural world. Once carvings such as this have fulfilled their intended purpose, they are often discarded in the rainforest so that their spirits may rejuvenate the sago trees.
Colors: Brown, Black