Large Polychrome Wooden Shield Asmat Iran Jaya, Wolmark Collection

Large Asmat Irian Jaya wooden shield, stylized geometric decoration carved then coated with natural pigments. It comes from the Nina and Gilbert Wolmark collection, she was a producer and cartoonist in the 70s (Asterix, Ulysses 31...) and a great collector of Oceanic art.
The Asmat were a very warlike people, headhunters, they were very feared. The shield has a character at the top who makes a very insulting gesture for these populations, the equivalent of our middle finger, this is supposed to impress and ridicule the enemy. Total height 211 cm, good condition, some wear.
A highly prized curiosity object, this one is particularly interesting for its beautiful modern geometric decoration and its very fresh colors.