Ancestor skull "ndambirkus" ·  Westneuguinea / Westpapua (Irian Jaya), Asmat · ID: 3032377

Description

human skull, shiny spotty patina, the lower jaw fixed with rattan, eye-sockets and nose spread with beeswax, red seeds of the crab’s eye vine inserted, earrings with feather tassels, slight traces of abrasion, good condition, on metal base;
just like normal household articles in Asmat culture human skulls were part of everyday life. The skull of a treasured ancestor was treated with outmost respect, it was dressed in a ceremonial manner and kept in a secure place. Sometimes it was attached to cord and worn around the neck. The men used to carry the skulls around with them in order to keep in contact with the ancestors. When sleeping they used the ancestor skulls as head rest.

Littérature comparée

Konrad, Gunter und Ursula, u.a., Asmat, Glashütten 1981, p. 105 f.