Iatmul

The Iatmul are a Papuan people residing in the Sepik district of New Guinea. They are one of approximately 200 distinct groups living around the Sepik River, an area known for its diverse artistic styles.12

The art of the Iatmul, like that of neighboring groups in the north-central Sepik region, is characterized by ceremonial houses with elevated upper stories supported by carved posts, often depicting ancestral faces and figures. Their gable masks, made of wood or basketry, and king posts topped with human figures grasped by eagles are notable features. Human figures and intricate curvilinear ornamentation are central themes in Iatmul art, adorning sacred objects such as flutes, drums, and stools, as well as everyday items like headrests and weapons. Their figures are generally naturalistic, with variations between eastern and western Iatmul styles. Notably, Iatmul art also incorporates human skulls, often covered with clay and painted, which were displayed or used in ceremonies.2