Asmat Art Woodcarvings of South West New Guinea

Asmat Art features the world-renowned woodcarvings of the Asmat, former head-hunters who live in the western half of New Guinea. Working with stone adzes, bone, and bits of shell, early carvers fashioned the local wood into stunning masterpieces. Editor Dirk Smidt has gathered together distinguished experts on Asmat art and culture to describe the physical and spiritual world of the Asmat, the techniques and motifs used by master carvers, and to present an historical overview of European collections of Asmat art.