Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about the American Museum of Asmat Art at the University of St. Thomas
What is the American Museum of Asmat Art at the University of St. Thomas?
The American Museum of Asmat Art is dedicated to the study, preservation and presentation of the culture and spirit of the Asmat as embodied in their art forms. The museum's collections of approximately 1,500 objects makes it one of the most comprehensive collections of its type in the United States. It consists of numerous utilitarian, religious and functional objects made from wood, bone, feathers, seeds, shells, palm and materials native to the rainforest.The variety of art forms include drums, horns, shields, "soul ship" ancestor poles, decorated canoe prows,decorated paddles, masks, clothing and jewelry.
Who are the Asmat?
The Asmat are a semi-nomadic people who live in the dense coastal rainforest and along the southwest coast of West Papua, Indonesia. West Papua is the western half of the island of New Guinea which is a province of Indonesia.
What are the connections between the Asmat and Minnesota?
The Crosier Fathers and Brothers, who have been based in Minnesota since 1910, were among the first outsiders to enter the isolated Asmat region; they have been actively working there since 1958. Recognizing that change was, perhaps, inevitable for the Asmat, as more frequent contacts with foreigners began to transform their once stone age society and way of life, many of these early missioners, who were also schooled in anthropology, began to collect Asmat carvings, sculpture and artifacts as a way to preserve this art from extinction and educate the rest of the world about Asmat culture. Since the earliest days, Crosiers have encouraged the Asmat to retain their cultural traditions and maintain a sense of pride in their heritage by continuing their carving traditions, and by bringing carvings to the United States for preservation and exhibition. Much of the collection now at the University of St. Thomas was compiled by members of the Crosier order including Bishop Alphonse Sowada.
In July 2007, the connection of the museum to Minnesota was broadened when the collections was given to the University of St. Thomas. As part of its new programming, displays of Asmat art will be organized on the University's St. Paul campus and the museum will find a permanent home in a dedicated gallery in the new University student center in the next few years.
