素晴らしい二人組のフィギュア、アスマット - 中央アスマット - 西パプア (No reserve price)

Excellent Asmat Ancestor Duo Figure – West Papua – Field Collected 1989

A remarkable and highly expressive ancestor duo figure carved by the Asmat people of the southwest coast of West Papua, Indonesia. Sculptures depicting two interconnected ancestors are among the most powerful expressions of Asmat ceremonial art, symbolizing kinship, ancestral continuity, protection, and the enduring bond between generations. Ancestor figures occupied a central place in ritual life and were created to honor revered forebears and maintain the spiritual balance between the living and the world of the ancestors. (Sothebys.com)

This impressive sculpture displays the dynamic, elongated proportions and bold sculptural style for which Asmat carving is internationally renowned. The harmonious composition of the two figures, together with the finely carved facial features, muscular anatomy, and deep, naturally aged patina, gives the piece exceptional visual impact. The weathered surface and traces of long use testify to its authenticity and age.

The figure was field collected in 1989, a provenance detail of considerable importance for Oceanic and tribal art. Objects collected directly in the field during this period are increasingly rare, as access to remote Asmat regions has become significantly more restricted in subsequent decades. This direct field provenance strongly supports the authenticity of the work, confirming its origin within a traditional cultural context prior to the modern art market’s intensified engagement with the region. As a result, pieces with documented field collection history from the late 20th century are especially sought after by serious collectors and institutions for their integrity, transparency of origin, and diminishing availability.

A superb example of traditional Asmat sculpture, combining artistic excellence, cultural importance, and documented provenance. It is an outstanding acquisition for the serious collector of Oceanic art or for inclusion in a museum-quality collection.

Provenance: Field collected in the Asmat region, West Papua, in 1989, a period when direct acquisition from source communities was still possible. Such documented field provenance is increasingly rare and highly valued, providing strong assurance of authenticity and significantly enhancing the work’s desirability and historical importance.

Condition: Very good overall condition with an attractive aged patina and expected signs of traditional use and age.

Will be packed w care and sent worldwide


ADRIAAN VAN DIS

besprak mijn beide boeken, dus ook het recente ‘Ik droomde dat je kwam’

Een prachtig en meeslepend boek vol verhalen over Papua, met een bijzondere mix van avontuur, cultuur en persoonlijke ontmoetingen. De auteur neemt je mee van Raja Ampat tot de Asmat, van Yapen tot de Vogelkop, in een warme en levendige vertelstijl. Inclusief fotokatern van Roy Villevoye.
Prijs: €22,95
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Wordt het niet meegezonden, dan komt er €4,- bij.