ASMAT TRIBE
IRIAN JAYA

ASMAT TRIBE

Asmat Tribe is probably the most well known tribe in Papua (formerly called Irian Jaya). They become famous not only through their head-hunting practices in the past, but also because of their unique ideas and wonderful designs in woodcarving.

The name most probably comes from the Asmat words As Akat, which according to Asmat people means "the right man". Moreover, it's also said that Asmat comes from the word Osamat that means "man from tree". The Asmat's neighbors to the west, the Mimika, however, claim the name is derived from their word for the tribe- "manue", meaning "man eater".

Natives of the region are divided into two main groups; those living along the coasts, and those in the interior. They differ in dialect, way of life, social structure, and ceremonies. The coastal rivers are further divided into two groups, the Bisman people between the Sinesty and Nin Rivers, and the Simai people.

Around 70,000 Asmat Tribe, the area's largest tribe, are scattered in 100 villages in a territory of roughly 27,000 square km live in a huge tidal swamp land. The tribe was untouched by civilization until recent times. Dutch outpost, missionary settlements, and foreign expeditions finally made in road on this isolated culture during the 1950 and 60's.

Formerly, the families of the entire tribe resided together in houses up to 28 meters long called yeus. Yeus still used, but not only by men, as clubhouse where bachelors sleep. Upriver Asmat Tribe still live in longhouses, some even construct houses in treetops.

The Asmat Tribe live on sago, their staple, as well as mussels, snails, and fat insect larvae collected from decaying stumps of sago palms. These last are eaten to the accompaniment of throbbing drums and ritual dances; larvae feast can sometimes last up to two weeks. The Asmat also gather forest products such as rattan, catch fish and shrimp in large hoop nets.

ASMAT TRIBE - ART & FESTIVAL

The Asmat Woodcarving Festival helds once a year in October

To the Asmat Tribe, woodcarving was inextricably connected with the spirit world, and therefore, the carving cannot just be principally considered aesthetic objects. Much of the highly original art of the Asmat is symbolic of warfare, headhunting, and warrior-ancestor veneration. For centuries the Asmat were preoccupied with the necessity of appeasing ancestor spirits, producing a wealth of superbly designed shields, canoes, sculptured figures, and drums.

Asmat woodcarving is considered one among the world's finest. Much of the highly original art of the Asmat Tribe is symbolic of warfare, headhunting, and warrior-ancestor veneration. For centuries the Asmat were preoccupied with the necessity of appeasing ancestor spirits, producing a wealth of superbly designed shields, canoes, sculptured figures, and drums.

THE LAND
Almost the entire Asmat Tribe region is covered in water during the rainy season, when high tide reaches up to two km inland and low tide flows up to two km out to sea. This is the largest alluvial swamp in the world, a low-lying stone less territory of bog forest and meandering rivers emptying into the Arafura sea.

FLORA & FAUNA
In the rivers swarm with shrimp, fish, lobster, crab, fresh water dolphin, sea snake and crocodiles. Living along the banks are lizards, that grow longer than the Komodo dragon. The forests contain palms, ironwood, merak wood, and mangroves, and are home for crown pigeons, hornbills, and cockatoos. There are grass meadows, and flowers like the Dedrobium orchid.

CLIMATE
The climate is hot and humid. The rainy season stretches from October to May, with an average of 40 cm of precipitation each year. The east monsoon season runs from April to June, west monsoons strike December to March.

For descriptive Asmat Tribe Day to Day itinerary, Tour Price, flight details, airfares, further information and private trip arrangement, please contact us:

ADVENTURE INDONESIA - West Papua
Jl. Trikora No.2, PO Box. 152
Wamena 99511 - Irian Jaya Papua
E-mail: wamena@adventureindonesia.com