Asmat Ancestor Trophy Head
Kus, ancestor trophy head
Asmat, Casuarina Coast, West Papua
Hardwood
Height: 26 cm, weight: 566 gr
1950-1960
Ex Dutch private collection
This Asmat wooden trophy head, locally known as kus, is a replacement head carved from hardwood. The head has a perforated nasal septum, a protruding tongue and a pronounced lower jaw. These facial features give the carving a strong expression.
The substitute head was probably used as a dance attribute during ceremonial performances.
€ 850
