Jamasji (war shield)
Dateprior to 1971
Maker
Irian Jaya
Maker
New Guinea
Maker
Asmat
Label TextFive symbols of headhunting are deeply carved into this vivid shield. "Ainor," the Asmat symbol of headhunting, resembles a headless human torso with arms curled up at the sides. At the top of the shield is a fully carved ancestor figure known as tsjemen (translated as "penis"). In 1971, a German researcher photographed this shield at the Asmat Art Shop in Agats, the predecessor for the Museum of Culture and Progress that still exists today.
Object number97.60
Published ReferencesMcClusky, Pamela. The Art of War, A Community of Collectors, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 2008, p. 139, illus. 118.Credit LineGift of Mark Groudine and Cynthia Putnam
Dimensions75 1/2 x 16 x 3 1/2 in. (191.77 x 40.64 x 8.89 cm)
MediumWood, lime, clay and charcoal
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