The Asmat tribe is one of the indigenous ethnic groups that inhabits the coastal areas and wilderness areas of southern Papua. This tribe is famous abroad because it has very high wood carving skills and is full of spiritual values.
Hello ZOYALINK friends! The history of the Asmat tribe tells that their existence was created by an ancestral god named *Fumeripitsy*. This god carves wooden statues and breathes the spirit of life into them, so the carving tradition is considered part of sacred worship.
The traditional Asmat people build settlements along the banks of large rivers. Their life since ancient times has been very dependent on the ecosystem of mangrove forests and swamps, with the staple food being sago and fish caught in rivers.
In the Asmat traditional structure, the traditional stilt house called *Jew* or bujang house plays an important role. The Jew House functions as a meeting place for traditional elders, a center for sacred carvings, and a place for cultural rituals.
One of the most phenomenal works of art from Asmat is the *Bis Pole* or ancestral pole. These intricately carved wooden poles are made to honor the spirits of deceased ancestors and maintain the natural balance between the real and supernatural worlds.
Contact with the outside world began to intensify in the mid-20th century through humanitarian missions and western researchers. Even though modern knowledge is starting to enter, the Asmat people have consistently been able to maintain the authenticity of their carving art and traditional laws.
The existence of the Asmat tribe proves the greatness of traditional works of art born from the close relationship between humans and nature. Their masterpieces are one of the most valuable cultural heritages in the land of Papua.
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