A MANGROVE WOOD SHIELD ''VASEM''

Description:

Papua Selatan (New Guinea West, Central, Republic of Indonesia), Asmat
H.199 cm
A slightly curved, pointed-oval shield vasem of the Asmat from Papua Selatan. The slightly curved shape follows the split trunk from which the shield is integrally made. The base is flattened. The front view (facing the opponent) is carved in flat relief with abstract, doubly symmetrical angular forms and painted in red and white colour (ochre, lime). The headpiece shows ‘eyes’, which indicate that the shield is perceived as a ‘person’ or alter ego of the owner. The motifs on the front are interpreted as a grouping of abstract human figures that are either victims of ritualised headhunting or ancestors of the wearer. Another interpretation is as a stylised ‘world village’ or as the initiate's path to the world beyond and back; corresponding to the Orpheus mytheme and the Eleusinian mysteries from classical antiquity, which focus on the theme of the renewal of life within the framework of cyclically repeated rituals. For this reason, only initiated men may possess or even see these shields. The uncarved, rough back has an integrally carved handle. Shields of this type were once carried in tribal feuds for the purpose of ritual headhunting, otherwise they are stored in men's houses and highly respected. They are often ritually damaged or destroyed during burial ceremonies. Shields of this type were once carried in tribal feuds for the purpose of ritual headhunting, with spears (jukaim, fum) thrown with throwing boards, clubs and daggers made from human bones serving as offensive weapons. During fights, the shields are sometimes placed on the ground due to their size. The material culture of the hunting and fishing Asmat is characterised by elaborate carvings and a mastery of working with organic materials. The nibung palm (digging sticks, bows, arrowheads, spears), mangroves (construction timber and battle shields) and the nipa palm (mats and elements for roof coverings) are used for tools.
From an old German private collection, acquired in the 1980s - Partially traces of use and slightly chipped