Bisj Pole by the Asmat People: A Masterpiece of Indigenous Art at Musée du Quai Branly

The Asmat community, located in Western New Guinea, Indonesia, upholds a traditional lifestyle that is closely tied to their heritage. For over 70 years, their art, particularly the Bisj Pole, has been sought after. One significant piece, housed at the Musée du Quai Branly—Jacques Chirac in Paris, France, originates from the late 20th century and is made from mangrove wood, plant fibers, and pigments. Measuring 4.57 meters in height and weighing 90 kg, it features seven carved figures that represent recently deceased males transitioning into ancestors. Typically, these poles were created for memorial feasts and displayed in front of men’s houses. The top, known as cemen, represents male virility and depicts three figures with a crocodile, a symbol of strength. The main section, bis anakat, includes three large figures, with the lowest, ci, as the base. The pointed base, bino, was inserted into the earth. Bisj poles are uncommon today as they were traditionally destroyed post-ceremony, with their essence transferred to sago palms. Many in Western collections were obtained through dubious means, including missionary conversions, anthropological seizures, or theft, raising ethical concerns regarding cultural heritage and the spiritual value of these artifacts.