Maasai Shields

For sale lot of two Asmat shields Large Asmat shield in mangrove wood from Papua New Guinea The Asmat people called themselves "people of the tree" because they believe that the original man was carved in wood. The Asmats therefore consider themselves to be living trees, with feet for roots, arms for branches and the body for the trunk, the fruits being gathered in the head. This explains the representation of the fruit bat which feeds on the fruits or the praying mantis which has a reputation for cutting off the male's head during mating. For the Asmat, their shield is inhabited by the spirit of an ancestor who protects it. These are two authentic pieces purchased in a specialist shop (maison cas rare in Orleans).