Ancestor Board (Yamate)
Much of the art of the Kamoro people of southwest New Guinea centers on ceremonies and wood carvings that honor the spirits of individuals who have recently died. The present work is likely a Kamoro ancestor board (yamate). Portraying recently deceased ancestors, yamate were primarily created during the emakame, a complex ritual honoring the dead and celebrating the renewal of life.
A pivotal event in the emakame was the revealing of a group of yamate, each of which represented a specific deceased person, whose name it bore. Some yamate were also used on festive occasions as ornaments on the prows of canoes.
A pivotal event in the emakame was the revealing of a group of yamate, each of which represented a specific deceased person, whose name it bore. Some yamate were also used on festive occasions as ornaments on the prows of canoes.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ancestor Board (Yamate)
- Date: mid-20th century
- Geography: Indonesia, Papua Province (Irian Jaya)
- Culture: Kamoro (Mimika) people
- Medium: Wood, paint
- Dimensions: H. 64 3/8 x W. 17 1/4 x D. 1 3/4 in. (163.5 x 43.8 x 4.5 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Sculpture
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.206.1613
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Asmat people
late 1950s
Asmat artist
mid-20th century
Jiem
ca. 1960
Osu
mid-20th century
Asmat people
ca. 1961
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.