Ancestor shield - Asmat - West Papua
03
days
16
hours
45
minutes
32
seconds
Current bid
€ 120
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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 Bidder 8681 | €120 | |
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| Bidder 8681 | €100 | |
| Bidder 8681 | €1 |
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Asmat Ahnen-Schild (Jamasj) carved in tropical hardwood dating to the mid-20th century from a private collection, 55 cm high, 25 cm wide, 2.5 cm deep, in good condition, sold with stand, origin West Papua, titled Ahnen-Schild.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
For sale is an extraordinary ancestor shield (Jamasj) of the Asmat, traditionally used in the men's houses (jeu) as spiritual protection and an expression of the ancestral lineage. The relief depicts numerous intertwined human figures – symbolically representing the genealogical connection between the living and the ancestors.
The two large eyes at the top represent the overarching ancestral spirit watching over warriors and the community. This form is characteristic of ritual-used shields and should not be confused with tourist reproductions.
Spiritual significance
The shield served not only as a protective weapon but also as a bearer of living spiritual presence.
Each depicted body shape represents an ancestor who bestows strength, fertility, and spiritual power.
Such shields were used in initiations, war rituals, and ancestral ceremonies and were part of the village's vibrant spiritual identity.
Special features
Deeply carved relief in traditional Asmat style.
Very good preservation of the carving details.
Authentic patina and traces of traditional use
No modern painting or processing – pure tribal work.
For sale is an extraordinary ancestor shield (Jamasj) of the Asmat, traditionally used in the men's houses (jeu) as spiritual protection and an expression of the ancestral lineage. The relief depicts numerous intertwined human figures – symbolically representing the genealogical connection between the living and the ancestors.
The two large eyes at the top represent the overarching ancestral spirit watching over warriors and the community. This form is characteristic of ritual-used shields and should not be confused with tourist reproductions.
Spiritual significance
The shield served not only as a protective weapon but also as a bearer of living spiritual presence.
Each depicted body shape represents an ancestor who bestows strength, fertility, and spiritual power.
Such shields were used in initiations, war rituals, and ancestral ceremonies and were part of the village's vibrant spiritual identity.
Special features
Deeply carved relief in traditional Asmat style.
Very good preservation of the carving details.
Authentic patina and traces of traditional use
No modern painting or processing – pure tribal work.
Details
No. of items
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Asmat
Country of Origin
West Papua
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
tropical wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Ancestor shield
Height
55 cm
Width
25 cm
Depth
2.5 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
