ASMAT
A day with the Asmat people, the rasing of the bis poles & war canoe ceremony
A day with the Asmat people, the rasing of the bis poles & war canoe ceremony
The Asmat people, nestled into the remote shores of Papua, have a rich cultural history. Once intertwined with headhunting as a way to honor their ancestors and restore balance to their world.
Central to their rituals is the raising of bis poles, towering wooden sculptures carved with ancestral symbols of strength and fertility. Raised during feasts following headhunting expeditions, calling the spirits of the deceased to protect and guide the community.
Their world famous intricate carvings depict the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, connecting the living with the spirits.
