Bis Pole, 20th century
Asmat (Bismam group)expand_more
Wood, pigmentexpand_more
The Putnam Dana McMillan Fundexpand_more 74.79.1
On View in Gallery 256expand_more
This is a ritual bis pole created to honor a recently deceased, important member of society. The family commissions an artist to carve a pole out of a single piece of wild nutmeg tree, representing clan members who have passed on. Its shape evokes a canoe, the main mode of transportation for the living and the dead, and a vehicle to take the spirit to the next world. The pole is displayed at a great community ceremony and a mock battle is staged around its base to appease any restless spirits. Then it is ritually disposed of, its purpose complete.
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Details
- Title
- Bis Pole
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 74.79.1
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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