This is a wooden Asmat ancestor carving depicting three individuals, likely created in Papua New Guinea in the latter half of the twentieth century. The entire piece is coated in a powdery white pigment material which flakes easily. Portions of the piece which are carved inset are painted in red. There are three figures depicted in the piece: the large supportive figure, the smaller upright figure, and a third figure conjoined with the smaller figure. All are depicted as being female. The larger figure is holding on the smaller figure, who is seen holding onto the larger figure’s waist. The legs of the smaller figure are bent and attached to the larger figure’s knees at the feet. The third figure consists only of a head protruding from between the legs of the smaller figure. Due to the nature of the depiction and the imagery of female reproductive organs on the smaller figure, it can be inferred that this may represent a birthing ritual.
Many pieces such as this feature vibrant pigment coloration. The white pigment is called mbi, created by crushing and burning mussel shells found in river beds. The red pigment is called wasah and is created by mixing different clays from the banks of rivers along upstream communities. Color is said to have magical properties in Asmat culture, and can indicate such symbolism as strength, power, and mysticism.
The carving of ancestors is one part of the extremely important cultural practice of ancestor worship in Asmat society. Carvings of ancestors are always done by the artist whose family members they depict, giving them a very personal sense of value. They are often produced for major ceremonial events such as festivals, feasts, headhunting raids, or the dedication of new community halls. Carvings such as this are also believed to have magical properties. Once their function is served, many are often discarded in the rainforests so that the ancestral spirits which inhabit them may help rejuvenate the sago trees and give the community new life.
Colors: Brown, Black, Red, White
