Lot Nr.2720

An ancestor's skull, Asmat tribe

Papua New Guinea
Skull of an old man coloured red. The jaw attached with cord wrapping and rattan netting. The eyes lined with a dark, decorative mass of plant seeds, projecting nose ornament made from a snail shell. Elaborately braided headdress with various bird feathers. Signs of age. Height 19cm.
The skulls of honoured ancestors, so-called "Ndambirkus" were objects of worship. They were elaborately decorated and stored in a secure place. Enemy skulls, so-called, "Ndaokus" were treated with much less respect. Among other things, they were used as head rests, and as a sign of extreme contempt, the lower jaw was made into a woman's ornament.

Condition: II-

Limit: 1600 EURO

2700 EURO