The Asmat skull is an iconic artifact from the Asmat people, an indigenous group from the Papua region of Indonesia. These skulls were typically used in the context of ritual practices, particularly those surrounding ancestor worship and warfare. The Asmat people believed in the spiritual power of the skull, associating it with the strength and vitality of the person who once possessed it. After a successful battle, an enemy's skull might be taken as a trophy and displayed or preserved, serving as a symbol of victory and a means to harness the spiritual energy of the deceased.
The process of preserving the skull was highly ritualistic. The flesh was often removed, and the skull was carefully treated, sometimes adorned with beads or carvings, which reflected the deceased’s role in life. These skulls were not just trophies but were believed to maintain a spiritual connection to the world of the living. In some cases, ceremonial dances or feasts were held in honor of the ancestors, with the skull serving as a central focus.
Today, Asmat skulls are of great ethnographic and cultural significance, providing valuable insights into the rituals, warfare practices, and spiritual beliefs of the Asmat people. They are also frequently studied by anthropologists and displayed in museums around the world.
After closing my gallery in Antwerp, I ended up at Werk Aan De Muur where I found the opportunity to share all the beauty that has passed through my hands through this way. Furthermore, I also have the permission of some artists I have been working with for.. Read more…