2000.2.44 (Carving, ancestor)

2000.2.44 (Carving, ancestor) image

This is a wooden Asmat carving of an individual male with the head of another human individual. The entire piece is composed of dark red wood which is largely unpainted. The only painted portions on the piece are accents which denote musculature. There is considerable patina buildup on the interior surfaces of the piece, but there is relatively little external damage. The main figure is standing in a crouched position with arms bent upwards so that the hands connect with the underside of their chin. All along the body are carved lines which outline muscle definition. The head of the figure is flat and features an open mouth with a tongue, round eyes, and stunted nose which is pierced all the way through. The top of the head is carved in the style of hair, which is painted black. At the waist is characteristic male genitalia. Attached to the bottom of the figure’s feet is the head of another individual of unspecified sex. This head is rounder, but shares the same features as the main figure. At the midsection of the main figure is a protruding navel.

Purchase: 
Gift: 
Found in Collection: