The Asmat

The Asmat tribe inhabits the tidal swampland of Papua's south coast, an area of pristine mangroves and tidal rivers, Asmat is Papua's best known tribe for their spectacular wood- carving and history of notorious headhunting and cannibalism.

Woodcarving for Asmat people is a part of ritual and religious life of the community. Every village has a few full time woodcarvers called wowipit. The Asmat believe spirits of their ancestors control activity in daily life. Carving acts as mediator between society and the world of their ancestors.

Asmat traditionally are semi nomadic hunters and gatherers. With their canoes they search the rivers through the mangroves for fish, fruits, sago and they harvest vegetables
 

Introduction to Papua

Biak, Supiori and Yapen Islands

Jayapura & Lake Sentani

The Baliem Valley

The Asmat

 

from their small gardens in the jungle.

Asmat area on the south west coast is remote and only accessible by motorized boat, charter plane or a 16 person Twin Otter Merpati airplane from Merauke or Timika to Ewer, a small airstrip just 30 minutes by boat from Agats, the capital of Asmat district.

Asmat area is completely muddy and very humid. Transportation is only by motorized dug out canoe. Accommodation in traditional longhouses or local school.

Asmat area can be very uncomfortable but the Asmat's culture of spirits, skulls, rituals with drumming and dances makes Asmat culture one of Papua's most interesting tribes to visit.

 

The Korowai and Kombai

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