War shield

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Description

mangrove wood, brown patina, red ochre, white pigment, coated with a net-like pattern of irregular formed rhombs, carved handle on the back, slightly dam., minor missing parts (above all on the upper rim), cracks;
an Asmat shield was traditionally made for the occasion of a shield feast “jamasj pokbui”. During this celebration the shield was named after a related ancestor of the owner. Then the celebrations lead to a headhunting expedition, to avenge the deaths of those after whom the newly made shields were named. As this man identified himself with the depicted ancestor, the relationship with his shield was close. The shield was considered most precious, because of the emotional and symbolic values attached to it.

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Comparing literature

Asmat Art, The van der Hoeven Collection, Brüssel o.J.

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