Bisj Pole

Asmat bis poles from Indonesian New Guinea - the poles are named for deceased people and the huge phalluses on top represent fertility. - panoramio

Bisj Poles, also known as Bis poles, are an important cultural artifact originating from the Asmat people of Papua, Indonesia. These intricately carved wooden poles are a significant part of the Asmat's spiritual and ceremonial practices, embodying their complex relationship with ancestry, art, and the natural world.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Bisj Poles are created by the Asmat, a group of people living in the swampy regions of the southwestern part of Papua, which is part of the Indonesian archipelago. The Asmat have a rich tradition of wood carving, and Bisj Poles are among their most renowned creations. These poles are deeply rooted in the Asmat's cosmology and are primarily associated with the practice of headhunting, which was a central aspect of their culture until the mid-20th century.

Description

A typical Bisj Pole is carved from a single piece of wood, often reaching several meters in height. The poles are adorned with intricate carvings that depict human figures, animals, and symbolic motifs related to Asmat mythology and cosmology. The human figures usually represent ancestors or recently deceased members of the community, and the poles serve as a medium for honoring them and ensuring their spirits' peace.

Function and Use

Historically, Bisj Poles were carved as part of a complex ritual to avenge the death of a tribe member. The creation of a pole was believed to harness spiritual power necessary to conduct headhunting raids against enemy tribes, a practice thought to restore balance and bring peace to the deceased's spirit. After a successful raid, the poles were erected during elaborate ceremonies that included feasting, dancing, and the display of the heads taken.

In contemporary times, with the cessation of headhunting, the creation and use of Bisj Poles have shifted towards maintaining cultural identity and as a form of artistic expression. They are still produced for ceremonial purposes, including initiation rites, peace-making ceremonies, and to honor the dead. Bisj Poles have also gained international recognition as significant art objects and are collected by museums and art enthusiasts worldwide.

Artistic Features

The artistry of Bisj Poles is characterized by a dynamic interplay of form and space, with figures often depicted in a stylized manner that emphasizes elongated bodies and features. The carvings are not only representations of human and animal forms but also incorporate abstract patterns and motifs that have specific symbolic meanings within Asmat culture.

Conservation and Exhibition

As significant cultural artifacts, Bisj Poles are subject to efforts aimed at preservation and conservation. Museums and cultural institutions around the world that house these poles are involved in ongoing efforts to maintain their condition and to understand their cultural context better. Exhibitions of Bisj Poles provide an opportunity for broader audiences to appreciate the artistry and cultural significance of these remarkable objects.

Conclusion

Bisj Poles are a vivid testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Asmat people. Through their creation, the Asmat express their beliefs, values, and connections to the ancestral and spiritual world. As objects of both cultural practice and artistic expression, Bisj Poles continue to fascinate and inspire, bridging the gap between the past and the present, and between the Asmat and the wider world.