Asmat Comb

A rare comb with 10 tines and carved with a large representation of an ancestral figure as the finial. The ancestor is presented in full frontal silhouette-form with the head turned to its left showing the profile. This type of representation is similar to that of those found at the top of the apets - large staff-figures, carved from the stems of palm fronds. The apets are created just before the start of the bis ceremonies as a way of obtaining the ancestor's permission to proceed with the carving of the great bis post as well as a preliminary indicator of a forthcoming headhunting raid.

Area A ( ?), Central Asmat, Irian Jaya, Indonesian New Guinea, Melanesia.
Bambou with a very fine patina of age and use.
27,7 cm
19th/20th century