Asmat Cassowary Bone Dagger (Pi Pisuwe) bangles org/sukuma-culture-and-tanzania/)

org/sukuma-culture-and-tanzania/)

flowing mane with a prominent forelock

This female figure is a stunning representation of the Tala-Tonalá style

Leeuwarden

and spiritual life—a testament to one of the world’s most enduring tribal traditions

Asmat Cassowary Bone Dagger (Pi Pisuwe) bangles org/sukuma-culture-and-tanzania/)Asmat people, early to mid 20th century, Irian Jaya (Papua), Indonesia A superb early cassowary bone dagger. Daggers of this type are known as pi pisuwe, while those carved from human femur were reserved for the most sacred and high status contexts. Although carried during displays of warfare, bone daggers were principally used in ritual killings, initiations, and ceremonial attire, symbolising courage, prestige and ancestral power. The Asmat inhabit