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Male ancestor figure

early–mid-20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 350
The squatting position of this figure may be a reference to an incident from an Asmat creation myth in which the culture hero, Fumeripits, carved the first humans in the form of wooden figures joined at the knees and elbows. The form and position of the figure also show similarities to the praying mantis, a symbol of headhunting for the Asmat, since the female beheads the male during mating.

A carver's prestige was second only to that of the most successful warriors, since his activities mirrored those of Fumeripits. Carved images were central to ceremonial life and usually represented recently deceased individuals. The figures served both to commemorate the dead and remind the community that their deaths must be avenged. While the figures depict specific individuals and bear their names, they employ a standardized iconography and are not intended as portraits.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Male ancestor figure
  • Artist: Asmat artist
  • Date: early–mid-20th century
  • Geography: Indonesia, Papua Province (Irian Jaya), Munu village, Unir River
  • Culture: Asmat people
  • Medium: Wood, paint, sago palm leaves, fibers, mulberry fiber, pig tusk, cassowary quills, hair, coix seed
  • Dimensions: H. 49 1/2 x W. 16 1/2 x D. 10 1/2 in. (125.7 x 41.9 x 26.7 cm)
  • Classification: Wood-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
  • Object Number: 1979.206.1589
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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