This is a wooden Asmat ancestral carving produced in Papua New Guinea in the late twentieth century. It depicts a human figure standing over the decapitated head of a foe, most likely the result of a successful headhunting ritual. The entire piece is unpainted and consists of very dark brown wood. The figure stands with joined feet atop which rests the head of the fallen victim. The upper figure is hunched over the head with the hands holding a tool or weapon between them. The eyes of the standing figure are sunken, with similar sunken facial features. The decapitated head has a look of no emotion and features plain characteristics.
Headhunting was an integral part of life in Asmat culture until the late twentieth century. Before foreign missionaries suppressed the practice, many Asmat communities used headhunting as a means of avenging deaths of their members. Death in Asmat society is always unnatural in nature. It is believed to be the result of hostile magic, evil spirits, or unseen attacks by an enemy. In order to resolve the imbalance in society caused by a death, family members of the deceased are encouraged to participate in headhunting rituals. Once an enemy head has been brought back, it is put on display for spiritualistic purposes. The cycle of retaliation and vengeance was perpetual in Papua New Guinea until headhunting was phased out before the turn of the millennium. Carvings such as this likely depict the aftermath of a successful headhunt and are produced both as a commemoration of the event and as an appeasement of the spirits.
Colors: Brown, Black