Items Similar to Important Oceanic Carved Asmat Tribal Sago Bowl Serving Platter after War Shield

New Guinea Asmat Large Serving Platter with Ancestor Head on top

Old Worn Kuba Tribal Platter Incised Design, Early 20th Century, Congo

Mid-20th Century Tami Islands Papua New Guinea Tribal Wooden Feast Bowl

Lake Sentani Carved Feasting Platter

Monumental Oceanic Asmat People Carved Painted Wooden War Shield

Massim Food Bowl Trobriand Islands Papua New Guinea

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 11

Important Oceanic Carved Asmat Tribal Sago Bowl Serving Platter after War Shield

$1,250

£950.34

€1,096.73

CA$1,749.66

A$1,959.16

CHF 1,022.19

MX$23,870.89

NOK 12,970.87

SEK 12,331.84

DKK 8,186.39

Shipping

Retrieving quote...

The 1stDibs Promise:

Authenticity Guarantee,

Money-Back Guarantee,

24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

A rare and important Oceanic Papuan Asmat tribal carved ancestral sago bowl (also known as a platter, serving shield and tray) crafted in the likes of the owners war shield. Collected from the coast of the headhunter tribe in Papua New Guinea, a Provincial Indonesian island, in the mid 20th century, this impressive wooden sculpture was hand-carved and polychrome painted using only primitive tools and pigments for color. Surmounted by a male figure (owners ancestor) with intricately carved eyes, nose, and mouth, shown with one arm bent, one extended attached to lower tray, painted in red pigment obtained from ochre, white pigment from crushed limestone lighting the wood and black from black soot or a burnt piece of wood. Having various carved symbols and shapes detailing the personal name of the bowl owner, their ancestors, as well as symbolic references to them, often giving the ancestor and in effect owner power, strength, agility etc. They were used during festivals and ceremonies, where the larvae of the Capricorn beetle or sago worms are held in these containers, before being consumed, in effect, the clansman believed even more of the Ancestors powers would be transferred to them. The bowl is in excellent shape with good patina. Interesting, unusual and highly decorative, it makes for a wonderful conversation piece. There is a wire across the back for wall hanging, the corresponding metal stand is also included. Dimensions approx 32.5" High, 14.5" Wide, 2" Deep, 8 lbs. --- Brief history: Located in southwestern New Guinea, a Province of Indonesia in Oceania, the Asmat live along the coast where a vast system of rivers flow into the Arafura Sea. With an estimated population of 70,000, the Asmat are divided into several hundred villages ranging in size from 35 to 2,000 inhabitants. From Dirk Smidt, Asmat Art, New York: Braziller, 1993. Smidt says: 'In a culture where death was never accidental and all required avenging in a continuous cycle of warfare, shields served a practical purpose of protection but also the symbols carved on the shields radiated power, invigorating the shields owner and striking fear into the enemy. The shields are named after dead relatives. The magical powers of the shield gave the carrier exceptional power combining his strength with that of the deceased ancestor to which the shield shared the name. The shields were used not just in battle but to scare off evil spirits that may have brought misfortune to the village. These shields were made for a shield feast which initiated a headhunting expedition. Headhunting raids were an important element of Asmat culture until missionaries suppressed the practice, which, according to some accounts, persisted into the 1990s. The death of an adult, even by disease, was believed to be caused by an enemy, and relatives sought to take a head in an endless cycle of revenge and propitiation of ancestors. Heads were thought necessary for the rituals in which boys were initiated into manhood. Cannibalism was a subsidiary feature of the rituals that followed the taking of heads Among the Asmat, war shields are the most powerful symbolic element of a warrior's equipment, and have many layers of meaning. Traditionally, they were functional items used to protect warriors in battle by deflecting an enemy's spears and arrows. The carved and painted images on the surface of the shields were also intended to frighten the enemy and symbolize the power of the ancestors. Wood carving is a flourishing tradition among the Asmat, and wood carvers are held in high esteem. The culture hero Fumeripits is considered to be the very first wood carver, and all subsequent wood carvers (known as wowipits) have an obligation to continue his work. The Asmat also believe that there is a close relationship between humans and trees, and recognize wood as the source of life. Ancestral imagery appears on multiple forms of Asmat art, including wood war shields. Shields were created as functional items for warfare, and were meant to protect the user from the spears and arrows of his enemy. At the same time, the imagery that is carved and painted on the surface of the shield endows the piece with the power of the ancestors, which is also intended to protect the user. The designs can be either figural or abstract, depending on the region from which the shield came. Excellent condition Museum quality, original, vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Please note, one hand has been professionally restored. All of our items are guaranteed to be authentic and as described in perpetuity.

Dimensions:
Height: 32.5 in (82.55 cm)Width: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Style:
Tribal (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Paint,Wood,Hand-Carved,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
Papua New Guinea
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
First half of the 20th century
Condition:
Repaired: Please note, one hand has been professionally restored. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Museum quality, original, vintage condition. Please note, one hand has been professionally restored. Guaranteed authentic in perpetuity.
Seller Location:
Forney, TX
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5977240248822

More From This Seller

View All

Monumental Oceanic Asmat People Carved Painted Wooden War Shield

Located in Forney, TX

A monumental, rare and important Oceanic Papuan Asmat People tribal carved war shield from the first half of the 20th century, collected from the coast of the headhunting tribe in Papua New Guinea, a Provincial Indonesian island in the mid 20th century. Among the Asmat, war shields are the most powerful symbolic element of a warrior's equipment, and have many layers of meaning. Traditionally, they were functional items used to protect warriors in battle by deflecting an enemy's spears and arrows. The carved and painted images on the surface of the shields were also intended to frighten the enemy and symbolize the power of the ancestors. Ancestral imagery appears on multiple forms of Asmat art...

Category

Early 20th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Monumental Oceanic Asmat People Carved Painted Wooden War Shield

$2,300

Peru Folk Art Pottery Clay Wicker Zoomorphic Bird Quinua Harvest Vase Sculpture

Located in Forney, TX

A rare and exceptional vintage Peruvian folk art pottery harvest vase. Hand-crafted in Peru, most likely Ayacucho region / Quinua, the South American primitive executed in distinct...

Category

20th Century Peruvian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Clay, Pottery, Terracotta, Wicker

Peru Folk Art Pottery Clay Wicker Zoomorphic Bird Quinua Harvest Vase Sculpture

$750

Large Oceanic Gope Carved Wooden Ancestor Spirit Board

Located in Forney, TX

An Oceanic "Gope" Papuan ancestral spirit board, 20th century, collected from the Gulf Province, Papua, New Guinea, Kerewa or Hohao village tribe. Hand...

Category

20th Century Papua New Guinean Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

Large Oceanic Gope Carved Wooden Ancestor Spirit Board

$1,650

Antique Congolese African Tribal Carved Hemba Helmet Mask, Suku Peoples

Located in Forney, TX

A scarce antique African tribal carved Hemba helmet mask, the Suku peoples, possibly Kwese culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, early 20th century, surmounted by four-legged animal, over round face, with mouth ajar and incised jagged teeth exposed, protruding almond shaped eyes, scattered remnants of pigment, full raffia fiber fringe, mounted on wood stand. A superb museum quality example, this remarkable tribal folk art sculpture is a wonderful way to add rustic warmth, rich historical depth, and fascinating cultural interest to any space! Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 26" High, 9" Wide, 10.25" Deep; Mask only: 15" Tall; 7 lbs total Provenance / Acquisition: Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Excellent Condition: Nicely aged distressed patina over the whole. Highly desirable wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered losses, antique character marks and typical signs of aging throughout. Retaining scattered remnants of original pigment. Overall a superb museum quality example Primitive Arts Of Africa: Among the Suku of the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, masks plays crucial role in protecting boys during initiation, the vulnerable period between boyhood and manhood. The power contained in Hemba masks...

Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Raffia, Wood

Antique Congolese African Tribal Carved Hemba Helmet Mask, Suku Peoples

$2,600

Antique Native American Indigenous Peoples Carved Polychrome Canoe Model

Located in Forney, TX

An exceptionally rare antique Native American / Indigenous Peoples hand carved and painted wooden dugout canoe model, dating to the early 20th century or earlier, likely Pacific Nort...

Category

Early 20th Century North American Native American Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Twine, Wood, Paint

Antique Native American Indigenous Peoples Carved Polychrome Canoe Model

$2,500

18th Century Swedish Carved Mangle Board

Located in Forney, TX

A long hand carved wooden mangle board (clothing and bedding press) with beautiful patina. Handmade in Sweden, circa 1744, this Scandinavian antique with...

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Primitive Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Carved Mangle Board

$2,200

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

New Guinea Asmat Large Serving Platter with Ancestor Head on top

$960 Sale Price

20% Off

Old Worn Kuba Tribal Platter Incised Design, Early 20th Century, Congo

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Sweet worn, polished and smoothed Kuba ceremonial serving platter with handle and incised Classic royal Kuba knot pattern on one side. Cra...

Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Old Worn Kuba Tribal Platter Incised Design, Early 20th Century, Congo

$760 Sale Price

20% Off

Mid-20th Century Tami Islands Papua New Guinea Tribal Wooden Feast Bowl

Located in Point Richmond, CA

mid-20th century Tami Islands Papua new guinea wooden feast bowl Of classic form, each end carved with raised and incised imagery depicting stylized sea cr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Art

Materials

Kaolin, Wood

Mid-20th Century Tami Islands Papua New Guinea Tribal Wooden Feast Bowl

$4,200

Lake Sentani Carved Feasting Platter

Located in Austin, TX

A well carved festival feasting platter. One end featuring a long billed water bird head. The exterior carved with a traditional complex interlocking motif. The interior plain and di...

Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Hardwood

Lake Sentani Carved Feasting Platter

$3,200

Massim Food Bowl Trobriand Islands Papua New Guinea

Located in Sharon, CT

Ornately decorated rim, with abstract carvings on bottom. Beautiful rich patina.

Category

Early 20th Century Oceanic Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Massim Food Bowl Trobriand Islands Papua New Guinea

$600

Early Carved Wood Bamum or Bafut Ceremonial Bowl with Lizards, Cameroon

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Well used and loved Bamum or Bafut ceremonial carved wood bowl with openwork geometric design of pair of lizards with geometric heads winding around bowl. Band of geometric shapes a...

Category