Showrooms

Bis Pole of Asmat People

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A ritual artifact from the tribe of the Asmat poeple, an ethnic group of New Guinea living in the Papua province of Indonesia and South-western regions of Papua New Guinea, bis or bisj pole is carved out of a wild Mangrove tree and can reach a stunning height Their carvings depict stacked human and animal figures standing and on top always phallic symbols, in the shape of a canoe prow. Bis poles can be erected as an act of revenge, to pay homage to the ancestors, to calm the spirits of the deceased and to bring harmony and spiritual strength to the community.
On offer here is a bis pole sculpture, which may have been the top part of a much taller pole, it features an ancestor figure with a bird and a phallic wing like protrusion with a looped 8 pattern. Details such as, surface paint, scarification marks and ears suspending beaded cassowary feather render this piece a strong aesthetic presence.
It was reputably collected in the Papua province of Indonesia in 1973. There is an old ink collection number on the back as shown. Displayed on a custom made metal stand.

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Wood, beads, feathers
Condition:	Fair. Tribal art collected in field, wood cracks, minor chips and surface accumulations, black hair/fibers on one earring loss, areas of paint loss. See detail photos.
Creation Date:	first half of 20th century
Styles / Movements:	Oceanic, Outsider Art, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	283558

Dimensions

W.	8 in;	H.	42 in;	D.	24 in;
W.	20.32 cm;	H.	106.68 cm;	D.	60.96 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.