Asmat Box 8
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5
| Catalog # | Name | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000.2.105 | Carving, ancestor | This is a large rectangular wooden Asmat carving decorated with three figures and flying fox insignias. The entire piece is unpainted and is made of red/brown wood with very prominent grain which runs up the length of the piece. Stretching from each end of the piece and connecting both ends is a support frame made from brass and plastic. This frame is unoriginal and was likely attached at some point after acquisition for hanging the piece on a wall or other display rack. The back of the piece also features a circular pinhole between the brass brace, likely unoriginal. It also features a oval-shaped groove in the upper right quadrant which is either an imperfection in the wood itself or is the result of animal damage. The entire front of the piece is adorned with swirling geometric patterns carved in relief, which fill the surface and frame three figures near the center of the piece. The first figure is at the center of the piece, and is bent on hands and knees in a kneeling position. The other two figures are emerging from either side of the frame from below the central figure, each with their knees bent and elbows resting on their knees. All three of the figures are stylized with simple muscle lines and facial definition. It is unclear what sex they are. The swirling patterns on the rest of the piece are stylized interpretations of flying foxes, which are common in Papua New Guinea. It is unclear whether this piece served as a shield or other form of ceremonial carving. The lack of handle and relatively lightweight construction points to it either being a ceremonial shield or a decorative piece for ancestor veneration. However, the design shares many key elements commonly found on Asmat shields in many communities. The lack of a wedge at the bottom supports the idea of it being a shield. It is also questionable whether the figures depicted in relief are human ancestors or praying mantises. If this is a shield, it may be likely that they are praying mantises associated with vicious attack. Colors: Brown, Black |
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| 2 | 2000.2.26 | Platter | This is a wooden Asmat platter carved in the shape of a dugout canoe, likely produced in Papua New Guinea in the late twentieth century. It is entirely unpainted and features a very dark brown coloration throughout. The sides are decorated with elaborate geometric zig-zag patterns, terminating at either end with a head carved into the prow. At the center of the canoe are two heads facing upwards. The features on all four of the heads on display are simplistic, with recessed brows and protruding noses. The sides of the piece have suffered some wear over the years but overall remains in excellent condition. Due to the appearance of head imagery, it is likely that this piece was produced during the time of headhunting in Asmat society. Before foreign missionaries suppressed the practice in the late twentieth century, headhunting was a common means of avenging death in communities. Death was never unnatural, either the result of hostile spirits or magic attacks from an enemy tribe. Headhunting raids were performed to collect the heads of enemies in order to restore balance to communities. The brains of headhunted foes were often served as food at ceremonial gatherings after a death in order for the consumer to be granted the dead foe’s power. Platters such as this were used to serve the brain matter before the banning of the practice. After headhunting’s suppression, platters were transitioned into serving roasted sago palm and Capricorn beetles as a replacement for human brain matter. Colors: Black, Brown |
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| 3 | 2000.2.46 | Carving, ancestor | This is a wooden Asmat ancestor carving depicting two individuals in sitting positions, one on top of the other. The entire piece is unpainted and is carved from very dark wood with visible vertical grain. There is a wedge at the bottom of the piece where it would have been plunged into mud to stand upright, which shows some signs of discoloration. Both figures are female, based on characteristic features around the chest and waist. They both sit in a position with legs bent outwards to either side, with elbows resting on their knees and hands splayed open. The thumbs of both figures’ hands are connected to the sides of their heads. The fingers of the bottom figure are connected to the feet of the top figure, and the top figure is seated atop the head of the bottom figure. There is some damage to the piece. The bottom figure is missing their left index finger, and the top figure is missing the bridge of their nose. There are carved lines across the bodies and limbs of both figures, indicating stylized musculature. The figures in this carving are likely the ancestors or previous relatives of the individual who produced it. It was likely produced for an Asmat ancestral reverence practice, which are common in Asmat society. Most often, they are made for festivals which honor the dead or in the event of an individual dying. Because death in Asmat society is never natural, carvings of the deceased and their ancestors are produced to protect the deceased with spiritual energy until the death has been avenged. After events of this nature, carvings are often discarded in the rainforest so that the spirits which inhabit them may rejuvenate the sago trees. Colors: Brown, Black |
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| 4 | 2000.2.78 | Carving, ancestor | Five human figures joined at feet and rears, one with hands.. Piece = remnant white. Carved designs on bodies cheeks (scarification?) and remnant red. Hair and eyebrows black. Figures encircled by rectangular-shaped outline, part of rectangles is made up of hornbill(?) figure. Color: BR,RD,WH,BK |
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| 5 | 2000.2.84 | Carving, ancestor | This is a wooden Asmat carving which depicts four individuals in an interconnected embrace. The entire piece is unpainted, and is made of very dark wood with subtle grain running throughout. It is unclear whether the figures are male or female, as they lack the characteristic genitalia carvings commonly found in other Asmat carvings. All four share similar characteristics and features, but vary in proportions. Each feature a wide smiling mouth with a prominent brow and long nose. The eyes of all four figures are simply carved circular shapes with little definition. Across the bodies of all the figures are carved lines indicated stylized musculature. These lines run throughout the piece and are equally placed in proportion to one another. The entire piece is in good condition, with only minimal damage to the feet of two figures. While this carving may depict ancestor figures, it is unclear for what occasion it was produced. It does not share similarities with bis poles or other funerary carvings, but does share similarities with other Asmat carvings of abstract human forms. The craftsmanship displayed in the piece is very high quality, as indicated by the mostly intact finish. Ancestor reverence plays a dominant role in Asmat society, as the spirits of the deceased are believed to interact with the natural world in a cyclical manner. Colors: Brown, Black |
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