Exceptional Asmat Ceremonial Bowl – With Two Spectacular Ancestor Spirit Figures (Arrived in the Netherlands, 1963) This extraordinary Asmat ceremonial bowl represents one of the most impressive forms of sculptural expression from the southwest lowlands of West Papua. Large, powerful, and carved with remarkable confidence, the bowl is flanked on each side by a magnificent ancestor spirit figure—each rendered with sharply defined features, elongated limbs, and the unmistakable dynamism characteristic of classic Asmat artistry. Objects of this caliber rarely surface on the market. This bowl stems from an early colonial-period collection, having been brought to the Netherlands in 1963, only a few years after the first sustained contacts between Asmat communities and the outside world. Its age, provenance, and artistic quality firmly place it among the more important pieces of Asmat ceremonial woodwork. Artistic and Cultural Significance In Asmat tradition, such bowls were used during ritual gatherings, feasts, and ancestor-veneration ceremonies. They were not simply utilitarian containers; they served as symbolic vessels that connected the living with the spirit world. The presence of the two ancestor figures on this bowl underscores its ceremonial status—representing lineage protectors and the continuity of life through the revered dead. The sculptor, most likely a highly respected ritual specialist, executed the figures with striking clarity: • The faces display the characteristic Asmat expression—arched brows, open mouths, and a strong forward presence. • The bodies are carved in a posture that suggests readiness, vigilance, and connection with the supernatural realm. • The bowl’s interior shows subtle wear consistent with ceremonial use, while the exterior retains a deep patina built over decades. Condition and Surface The wood has matured into a rich, dark tone with areas of smooth handling patina. Traces of natural pigments remain in the recesses, emphasizing the carving lines and enhancing the dramatic visual effect. The piece is structurally sound, with age-appropriate wear that supports its authenticity without compromising its stability. Provenance • Collected in the Asmat region—most likely the coastal or lower river area—during the early 1960s. • Brought to the Netherlands in 1963 by a family with long-standing ties to Dutch New Guinea. • Held in the same private collection for more than six decades. A True Masterpiece The combination of age, high artistic quality, early provenance, and the rare presence of two full ancestor spirit figures elevates this bowl far above ordinary examples. It is a museum-level artwork, representing the intensity, creativity, and spiritual depth of Asmat culture at a time when carving traditions were at their height. This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a powerful, early, and authentic Asmat ceremonial sculpture—a masterpiece in every respect. Condition: Very good, with minor wear consistent with age and use We pack with care, sending all over the world for 35 years already A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024 A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies. A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Google: Papua Blues Koos Knol