The Asmat Research Paper

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The Asmat are an ethnic group of New Guinea, residing in the Papua province of Indonesia.Until the 1950s, their remote location isolated the Asmat from other peoples. The Asmat were known to be headhunters and cannibals, and as a result were left largely undisturbed until the mid-20th century. The main musical instruments of the Asmat people are hourglass-shaped wood drums. At almost every ceremony and feast, one or more men gather to play the drums and sing. In Asmat society, the drum was associated with the beginnings of humanity. The Asmat are well known woodcarvers in the Pacific and collectors seek out their art. Drums are individually owned and any man can make one, however, individuals often have them made by master carvers. The drums …show more content…

Because this bird plucks fruit from trees, it is associated with the former practice of headhunting. The interior space of the drum is gradually hollowed out by burning the core and scraping out the charred wood. The top of the drum is notched and a piece of Monitor lizard skin is fixed to the surface by using a mixture of blood and lime. This blood is usually the blood of the drum owner and then is then secured into place by a braided ring of rattan. Beeswax is placed in the center of the skin which helps prevent unwanted vibrations that affect the sound quality. Each drum is carved with symbolism and is dependent on the cultural uniqueness of each group. They range from simple, square shapes to complex of forms of human figures, bird beaks and other motifs. The drums are to be handled with care and are usually kept on a shelf over the fireplace to protect them from moisture and pests and the years of exposure to smoke, soot, and human sweat renders them a glossy black patina. Most often the drums are handed down from father to son. Of interest, Michael Rockefeller, great grandson of John D. Rockefeller, who was once the richest man in America would strike out on his own to acquire primitive art to bring home to the new Rockefeller

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