Bisj (ancestor poles)

Death and Instability  

Bisj were erected at Asmat memorial feasts designed to restore the dangerous imbalances brought about by deaths within the community. These ceremonies once preceded raids against neighboring villages that were held responsible for recent deaths, a type of customary warfare known as headhunting. This powerful intent is expressed in the muscularity of the male figures carved into the bisj. Some hold a human head between their legs, a reference to initiation rites that marked the threshold to adulthood. The incisions on each figure’s limbs indicate their status as initiated men and are highlighted in “hot” red ochers that charge the carvings with spiritual power. Artists painted the bodies with mbi, a chalky white lime wash, illustrating their proximity to the spirit world.