Ancestor warrior figure - Asmat - west papua (No Reserve Price)
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€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Amy Wassing
Nearly 20 years' experience in Indonesian and Oceanian art with museum expertise.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Ancestor warrior figure from the Asmat people of West Papua, dating to the mid 20th century during the Dutch colonial period (circa 1960), carved in wood and measuring 39 cm high by 12 cm wide by 6 cm deep, from a private collection and in excellent condition; sold without a stand.
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Description from the seller
Intriguing Ancestor Spirit Figure – Asmat, Southwest Papua
Warrior Representation – Dutch Colonial Period (circa 1960)
This powerful ancestor spirit figure originates from the Asmat people of southwest Papua, renowned for their dynamic woodcarving traditions and deep ancestral veneration. Dating to the Dutch colonial period (circa 1960), the figure embodies the presence of a warrior ancestor, carved with the striking tension and bold forms characteristic of classic Asmat sculpture.
The figure displays strong facial features, tightly composed limbs, and an alert stance, expressing both protective power and ancestral authority. The surface shows a rich, lived patina, with traces of natural pigments that speak to long ritual use. In Asmat culture, such figures were created to honour fallen warriors, ensure spiritual protection, and maintain the vital connection between the living and the ancestral world.
This example is particularly intriguing for its expressive carving style, transitional period provenance, and the unmistakable character of Asmat warrior iconography. Objects from this era—pre-mission and pre-commercial carving—are increasingly scarce and highly sought after.
A compelling piece for collectors of Oceanic art, Asmat sculpture, and early ethnographic works.
Packed with care
Sending worldwide
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
Seller's Story
my wife Paula van den Berg and I, Koos Tuber, both anthropologists, traveling a lot through Papua New Guinea and West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya), Solomon Islands and Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides). We love local tribal arts, we collected thousands and thousands of artifacts, all authentic, sometimes old, sometimes more recently but mainly used objects in local traditional cultures. We are happy to give more detailed information about the artifacts we sell here on Catawiki. Please feel free to contact us.
Translated by Google TranslateIntriguing Ancestor Spirit Figure – Asmat, Southwest Papua
Warrior Representation – Dutch Colonial Period (circa 1960)
This powerful ancestor spirit figure originates from the Asmat people of southwest Papua, renowned for their dynamic woodcarving traditions and deep ancestral veneration. Dating to the Dutch colonial period (circa 1960), the figure embodies the presence of a warrior ancestor, carved with the striking tension and bold forms characteristic of classic Asmat sculpture.
The figure displays strong facial features, tightly composed limbs, and an alert stance, expressing both protective power and ancestral authority. The surface shows a rich, lived patina, with traces of natural pigments that speak to long ritual use. In Asmat culture, such figures were created to honour fallen warriors, ensure spiritual protection, and maintain the vital connection between the living and the ancestral world.
This example is particularly intriguing for its expressive carving style, transitional period provenance, and the unmistakable character of Asmat warrior iconography. Objects from this era—pre-mission and pre-commercial carving—are increasingly scarce and highly sought after.
A compelling piece for collectors of Oceanic art, Asmat sculpture, and early ethnographic works.
Packed with care
Sending worldwide
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
Seller's Story
my wife Paula van den Berg and I, Koos Tuber, both anthropologists, traveling a lot through Papua New Guinea and West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya), Solomon Islands and Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides). We love local tribal arts, we collected thousands and thousands of artifacts, all authentic, sometimes old, sometimes more recently but mainly used objects in local traditional cultures. We are happy to give more detailed information about the artifacts we sell here on Catawiki. Please feel free to contact us.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
No. of items
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Asmat
Country of Origin
west papua
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Ancestor warrior figure
Height
39 cm
Width
12 cm
Depth
6 cm
Provenance
Private collection
