ASMAT (Indonesisch)

The book "Asmat - Worldview Reflected in Art" centers on a catalog of the renowned Asmat Museum of Culture and Progress in Agats, Asmat, Papua, Indonesia. The exhibition's more than 600 objects, including over 300 impressive sculptures, ancestral poles, shields, and drums, are described in detail, providing a comprehensive overview of traditional Asmat carving and its evolution to the present day. Magnificent, full-scale color photographs showcase the museum's entire collection in chronological order, from early sculptures collected in 1958 to modern exhibits from the annual carving competition held between 1981 and 2000. The volume also includes fundamental information on the history, culture, and way of life of the various ethnic groups of Asmat. Selected essays by various authors address the role of contemporary art from so-called "primitive" peoples within the international art world, the historical development of the Asmat Museum, its significance for the Asmat people, and related topics. This new book makes a significant contribution to understanding the fascinating art of the Asmat people and provides insight into the way of life and culture of a Stone Age-like group of 80,000 people. We are surprised to discover many parallels to our own culture 3,000 years ago. © Gunter Konrad, Ursula Konrad