"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 188 cm, good condition, some wear. 
Le Magazine de PROANTIC
TRÉSORS Magazine
Rivista Artiquariato