World View

Asmat means The Real People, in contradistinction to others. “The Asmat call themselves Asmat-ow, “We, the real people, in contrast to the souls of the dead and other spirits and to other people living close by.” (Tobias Schneebaum, EMBODIED SPIRITS: Ritual Carvings of the Asmat, 1990 p. 12.) An alternate interpretation of the name is People of the Tree. One creation myth has the Asmat being carved out of wood and brought to life by the playing of the drum. They frequently compare themselves to a tree: the feet are the roots, the torso is the trunk, the arms are the branches and the head is the fruit of the tree.

The origin of the universe is of no concern to the Asmat nor whether a supreme being created, protects, governs it. The issue is rather how humans fit and survive in an animated cosmos. Humans, animals, plants—everything is imbued with spirit and therefore animated. This Asmat belief is most properly described as animism. The cosmos is a unity of animated spirits. If any dualism exists it is not one of sacred and profane, but one of physically visible and physically invisible spirits, all of which are always present at all times. These spirits are localized not only in immediate surroundings, but also at the bottom of rivers, in whirlpools, and in the world above and beyond.

Carvings are embodiments of the ancestral spirits which control the universe. To keep the cosmos in order, the Asmat placated their ancestors through carvings, ritual feasts, warfare, the taking of heads and cannibalism. The carvings make evident the vital interdependence between the tangible and the intangible.

Ritual also helps make invisible spirits visible and present. Rituals, often very complex ones, assure efficacy if done correctly. The carving of ancestor poles makes the ancestors visible. Through the mask feast, ancestors actually visit the living and reaffirm relationships, thereby assuring the living of the assistance of their ancestors.

Magic also exercises control of spiritual powers. Magical formulas and potions are eagerly sought, and once discovered, they must be closely guarded secrets.