Asmat Ceremonial Shield from New Guinea - Ca 85 yrs old shawl The zig-zag design on the

The zig-zag design on the bracelet gives the piece a wonderful tactile feel

These beautifully carved Makrana marble planters are carved in the Mughal style in the form of a lotus bud

Altar tables such as this would once have held offerings and joss sticks

5 x 29 (w x d x h cms)

Asmat Ceremonial Shield from New Guinea - Ca 85 yrs old shawl The zig-zag design on theAsmat shields were created as functional items for warfare, and were meant to protect the user from the spears and arrows of his enemy. At the same time, the imagery that is carved and painted on the surface of the shield endows the piece with the power of the ancestors. Wood carving is a flourishing tradition among the Asmat, and wood carvers are held in high esteem. The culture hero Fumeripits is considered to be the very first wood carver, and all