Asmat

In the Asmat area, for example, the mangrove tree, representing the enemy, is ceremonially stalked and cut down. As the bark is stripped from the trunk and red sap seeps from the white wood, the Asmat is reminded of the conquered warrior’s blood.

…Guinea, as represented by the Asmat. These groups rely on the sago palm, whose starchy pith is easily reduced to flour. Fish, wild birds, and semidomesticated pigs supplement the basic sago.

Asmat art, including the art of some neighbouring groups, presents a similar, but somewhat richer, picture. Four style areas can be distinguished, two on the coast (northwest and central) and two inland, with many local variations. During the 20th century an increasing naturalism has affected…