Female Figure holding a Trophy Head - Wood, Dry pigments - ex coll. J. Hoogerbrugge (1924-2014) - Asmat - West-Papua (former Irian Jaya)

Female Figure holding a Trophy Head, ASMAT, PAPUA, INDONESIA. The Asmat considered this female figure to be real and living. According to Fr. Gerard Zegwaard MSC it is called 'etcho pok', a thing that makes great. It serves to kindle thoughts of revenge. Spirits of decapitated people have a special reason to be angry and may harm their own community. They desire revenge and are more easily induced to go away after being given the satisfaction of getting even with their enemies. When confronted with a sculpture like this, the Asmat are reminded of their duty to revenge their murdered community members. Note: the sculptor has filled a hole in the back with resin. Contact me for high resolution images. For biographical information about the collector see: https: //catawikioceania. pb. online/ Literature: J. Hoogerbrugge 2011. Asmat: Arts, crafts and people -A photographic diary-, 1968-1974. Leiden: C. Zwartenkot Art Books.