Asmat Artifacts specializes in treasures from the Asmat tribe of West Papua. The island is divided into Papua New Guinea and West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya). Our focus lies with the Asmat tribe who inhabit the swamp forest of southwest New Guinea, in West Papua which belongs to Indonesia. The woodcarvers art plays an important role in the lives of the Asmat.
The Asmat have developed elaborate ritual objects which powerfully represent their culture. Many of the objects embody ancestors as a way of honouring them in the afterlife or instilling their power into the object. Asmat woodcarving has not only survived but has been able to retain it’s original character. At the same time, traditional items continue to be carved for ritual purposes and many amazing contemporary carvers are breaking new ground with fantastic and expressive works of art. Today, much of the prestige derived by the woodcarvers comes from the interest the outside world has shown. Asmat art is highly sought after and has an accepted place in museums worldwide.
Phyllis Hischier travels to Asmat and beyond a few times each year to view first-hand emerging and virtually untouched cultures. During her travels over the past 20 years, she often has the opportunity to purchase increasingly rare examples of indigenous art. Phyllis has a gallery in San Luis Obispo, California (by appointment only) and sells to museums, collectors and galleries worldwide. Traveling by longboat or dugout canoe, she goes to remote Asmat villages looking for high quality art. Traveling from village to village purchasing each piece from the artist and trying to get a background on each item as well as photograph of the item with the artist. The main focus is quality and age. Ceremonial items and items of everyday use are the main intent but also with a focus on contemporary carvings for a well-rounded idea of the culture.
Our mission statement is to aid the Asmat in maintaining their culture, traditions and environment by ensuring a viable and dynamic culture of carvers. A percentage of the proceeds from sales of each object goes back to help the people of Asmat. Please email us for prices and additional information.
asmatartifacts@gmail.com
The Asmat have developed elaborate ritual objects which powerfully represent their culture. Many of the objects embody ancestors as a way of honouring them in the afterlife or instilling their power into the object. Asmat woodcarving has not only survived but has been able to retain it’s original character. At the same time, traditional items continue to be carved for ritual purposes and many amazing contemporary carvers are breaking new ground with fantastic and expressive works of art. Today, much of the prestige derived by the woodcarvers comes from the interest the outside world has shown. Asmat art is highly sought after and has an accepted place in museums worldwide.
Phyllis Hischier travels to Asmat and beyond a few times each year to view first-hand emerging and virtually untouched cultures. During her travels over the past 20 years, she often has the opportunity to purchase increasingly rare examples of indigenous art. Phyllis has a gallery in San Luis Obispo, California (by appointment only) and sells to museums, collectors and galleries worldwide. Traveling by longboat or dugout canoe, she goes to remote Asmat villages looking for high quality art. Traveling from village to village purchasing each piece from the artist and trying to get a background on each item as well as photograph of the item with the artist. The main focus is quality and age. Ceremonial items and items of everyday use are the main intent but also with a focus on contemporary carvings for a well-rounded idea of the culture.
Our mission statement is to aid the Asmat in maintaining their culture, traditions and environment by ensuring a viable and dynamic culture of carvers. A percentage of the proceeds from sales of each object goes back to help the people of Asmat. Please email us for prices and additional information.
asmatartifacts@gmail.com