Male ancestor figure "kawe" · Westneuguinea / Westpapua (Irian Jaya), Asmat · ID: 3037827
H.W. Bergmann, The Netherlands
Description
heavy wood, reddish brown patina, traces of black paint, elongated forms, accentuated joints (elbows and knees), “hanging” feet, the spine accentuated by raised ornament, teeth-revealing mouth with the tongue stuck out, pierced nose for attachment of ornament, slightly dam., cracks (left face half, breast), rep. (right forearm);
such figures are carved for the building of a new Men’s House and are left to decay after the inauguration ceremonies. They represent the first humans, or “asmat”. In the Creation myth, a great cultural heroe “fumeripit” carved many large human figures. As he began to play his drum, the figures came to life as the original people and formed the first clans.
Comparing literature
Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 83, ill. 62