A characteristic, ceremonial battle shield, called ‘jamasi’. Originating with the Asmat, on the southern coast of New Guinea. Carved in a single piece from the board-root of a mangrove. Positioned centrally on the upper rim of the shield sits the figure of a powerful ancestor, protecting the warrior behind the shield. The deftly carved deep relief that lies underneath on the front side consists of two elegantly curved bands of volutes, almost symmetrical and mirroring across the central axis. Along the vertical axis are five more smaller elements, which probably represent smaller animals (a clam at the top, fish, lizards, a frog?). And all is coloured red, black and white with earth pigments. Attached to both outer edges of the shield to the front and back are decorative tassels made of plant fibres.
The backside of the shield supports a raised ridge and a grip carved out of the same piece. Vertical zigzag patterns in red, white and black again, colour the surfaces on the back of the shield. A small crack at the lower rim and colour scuffed.
Overall a beautiful, elegant object, typical of the high carving art of the Asmat. Height: 196 cm (with ancestor figure); Width: 44 cm. First half to mid-20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Pursuant to information supplied by the consigner, purchased by Viennese doctor Dr. Spiess in 1980 in the ‘Cenderawasih Museum’ in the city of Jayapura, New Guinea, then: Jakob Gasteiger Collection. Then: Austrian Private Collection.

Lit.:
'Ozeanische Kunst' by Anthony J. P. Meyer, ill. 68; 'Art Papou', catalogue, Musées de Marseille, ill. 214; 'Asmat. Leben mit den Ahnen' by Ursula and Gunter Konrad & Tobias Schneebaum, ill. p. 51 to 61.