This is a rectangular Asmat carving which depicts five individuals contorted in various positions to form a rectangular frame. The entire piece is unpainted and carved from a single piece of dark wood, some of which has lightened due to exposure. Each of the five figures are female and share similar descriptive features, with the only variation being height. At the bottom right of the piece, a small figure stands upright with hands extended outwards and connecting to the knees of a taller figure. The figure in the bottom left is significantly taller than the figure in the bottom right and has their arms extended outwards with hands grasping onto the lower legs of another figure. The figure in the middle right of the piece is the same height as the figure in the bottom left and is standing on top of the smallest figure’s head. They have their arms bent outwards and grasping the double head of a hornbill bird. Standing on the shoulders of this figure is the figure in the upper right. They have their arms bent downwards, with their hands cradling the upside-down head of the final figure. The top of their head forms the top frame of the piece. The upper left figure is inverted from the others and is shown in a seated position. They have their arms bent outwards with their hands connecting to the shoulders of the figure across from them. Their legs connect with the head of the upper right figure to form the top frame.
Although unclear, this piece may represent ancestral figures in abstract form. Ancestral worship is highly important in Asmat culture, as the spirits of ancestors are believed to actively participate in the mortal world. Carvings such as this are often produced to commemorate ancestors or to call upon their mystic powers in situations such as funeral rites. After the primary function of carvings has been fulfilled, they are often discarded in the rainforests so the ancestor spirits may rejuvenate the sago trees.
Colors: Brown
