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Jamasji (war shield)

prior to 1971

Five 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.

Wood, lime, clay and charcoal

75 1/2 x 16 x 3 1/2 in. (191.77 x 40.64 x 8.89 cm)

Gift of Mark Groudine and Cynthia Putnam

97.60

Not currently on view

Resources

Published ReferencesMcClusky, Pamela. The Art of War, A Community of Collectors, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 2008, p. 139, illus. 118.

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