This is a wooden Asmat carving depicting a female human figure holding a New Guinea crocodile. It is covered in a white pigmentation, with accents on both the human figure and the crocodile painted in red. The piece has suffered damage along the interior and shows signs of exposure in its faded paint layers. The human figure features a very roughly carved face, with lopsided eyes and ears. The face has a wide open mouth, pointed nose, and lines carved into the cheeks. The top of the head is painted black. Along the body and limbs of the human figure are carved lines indicating musculature. The figure has arms bent upwards holding the head of the crocodile between their hands. Their legs are bent and connect with the crocodile at the knees and feet. The crocodile is larger than the human and features symmetrical carved lines across its body. The tail is extremely detailed, with a grid pattern of scales carved in relief. The eyes are carved on the top of its flat head, and it features a long snout with no teeth. Its front legs connect with the human figure’s forearms, and its rear legs connect with the human figure’s knees.
Crocodiles form an important part of Asmat society, as they are abundant in the rivers and waterways on which Asmat communities are built. Alongside other animals, such as the hornbill and the cassowary, crocodiles are often featured prominently in Asmat art as a representation of the natural world and human connection with nature and fertility.
Colors: White, Red, Brown
