The Asmat: Papua

On Papua’s south coast art the mouth of the Aswetsj River is where the predominant population of the Asmat peoples live. They are renowned for their artistic primitive woodcarving.

The Asmat homeland consists of the rugged isolated southern coast of Papua. In area, it approximately 10,000 square miles and comprises mainly swamps and mangroves.

The Asmat believe that all things have a spirit – humans, animals, plants etc. Even special locations such as a waterfall or the bottom of a river have spirits. In addition, they also believe that the world is divided between that which can be seen and that which is unseen – the realm of the spirits.

It is considered important to maintain a proper balance between the seen and the unseen. With this in mind, birth and death balance the population between the seen and unseen worlds and one cannot take place without the other. If there were to be an imbalance, then this would manifest itself in diseases, hunger, death and misfortune caused by the unsettled spirits.

Asmat art is in great demand, not only from collectors but also museums around the world. The art can take several forms and the two predominant woods used are Ironwood and Mangrove. Apart from the strange masks and shields the Asmat carve and decorate, they also carve poles known as bisj and these are carved out of one piece of mangrove. Other art takes the form of stylised creatures.

At the beginning of October each year the Asmat Festival occurs. This colourful and spectacular festival includes events like canoe racing, a carving competition and dancing. People come from all around the world just for this festival. If you are considering going to the festival then I strongly suggest that you book your accommodation well in advance.