In 1961, 23-year-old Michael C. Rockefeller made two trips to New Guinea where he met with Asmat elders and artists, purchasing and collecting artworks. Today, these same works welcome visitors to the Arts of Oceania galleries at The Met, where they are installed in the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing that bears his name. In New Guinea, Asmat customs and ceremonies continue to be practiced, with knowledge and crafts passed down between generations.
Asmat Encounters
In 1961, 23-year-old Michael C. Rockefeller made two trips to New Guinea where he met with Asmat elders and artists.
7 min. watch
Contributors
Papua film and audio (2023) by Joshua Irwandi, supported by The Metropolitan Museum's Michael C. Rockefeller Wing Capital Project and the National Geographic Society.
Archival photography and field notes by Michael C. Rockefeller. Courtesy Rockefeller Archives Center.
Profile photograph of Michael Rockefeller, 1961 (2006.12.1.104.24). Courtesy Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University.
Archival audio recording courtesy of Malcolm Kirk. Visual Resource Archive, Michael C. Rockefeller Wing.
Maps produced by Geoff Wallace. Illustrations by David Rhoads. Animation by Angelina Ding.
Art Mentioned
Ajowmien
ca. 1960
Asmat artist(s)
late 1950s
Jiem
ca. 1960
Jewer
ca. 1960
Terepos
ca. 1960
Fanipdas
ca. 1960
Asmat artist(s)
ca. 1960
Bifarq
ca. 1960
Jiem
ca. 1960
More from The Met
In celebration of Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month, we’re offering a self-guided tour exploring The Met collection.
November 5
The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Black Belt Eagle Scout discusses the integral role of Native American and Indigenous culture in her music ahead of her Met Live Arts performance.
Sarah Jones and Katherine Paul
October 30
The artist Wendy Red Star asserts her own identity by reclaiming the identities of Indigenous leaders in the 1880 Crow Peace Delegation.
Kathryn Calley Galitz
October 6