Bidspirit auction | Large Carved Wooden Asmat Spirit

Large Carved Wooden Asmat Spirit Boat Wuramon Sculpture - This large, multi-figure carved wooden sculpture represents a spirit boat, known as a Wuramon, a traditional ceremonial object of the Asmat people of Papua. The sculpture depicts a long, low vessel with a prominent zoomorphic prow, carved in the form of a mythical creature or crocodile with a long snout, bared teeth highlighted in white pigment, and small inlaid white eyes with black pupils. The hull is decorated along its length with incised scrolling and geometric patterns, accented with white lime-based pigment. Within the boat stand five stylized human figures in a row, featuring traditional facial features with incised lines across the cheeks and forehead. Four of the figures hold broad, teardrop-shaped paddles. Toward the prow, an elaborate openwork superstructure rises above the first figure, incorporating a central mask-like face and three upward-reaching, pronged projections. Two small carved buckets or lanterns are suspended from this structure. The entire assembly is supported by four integral legs, giving it a table-top display form. Decorative wooden chains, carved from single pieces of wood, are draped around the base and attached to the hull. Two additional detached paddles rest against the supporting structure. The piece is carved from a dense hardwood with a bichrome finish, featuring areas of natural warm brown wood grain contrasting against sections stained black or dark brown. Traditional white pigment is used to highlight the eyes, teeth, and incised patterns on the hull. The surface has a soft, waxed lustre.