Asmat Mask

Posted on April 19, 2009

I do not believe in gambling or in the stock market…well maybe yes if I would have money to burn.

But I truly believe that there are treasures out there for one to scoop up, provided one

is knowledgeable in the field in question, and keeps his eyes and ears wide open.

In my time studying the canoes of Oceania I also gain knowledge about the culture

and traditions of the people building those vessels.

So when visiting an antic shop on Oahu a few days ago my eyes were immediately

attracted by a dark stained wooden mask lying on a chair. I took the mask in my hands

and realized immediately that this is an old mask, and not a contemporary sculpted one.

I asked how much? Well, I’ll give it to you for $ 20.00 said the shop keeper. I handed

her the money.

I knew of course that the mask in question is an old Asmat ceremonial mask dating to

1930-40, and therefore extremely valuable. The Asmat tribe is notorious for head-hunting, residing in West-Papua (Irian Jaya).

The Asmat people are considered the best wood carver of the stone age, creating intricately carved canoes, including model canoes that they

Old Asmat Ceremonial Mask, Papua New Guinea