1In New Guinea, an artwork’s aesthetic impact expresses its spiritual power and ability to affect the life of the community

ABELAM ART

2Skill and ornament described as ‘bright’ or glittering in the Highlands.’

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Among the Asmat – sculpture keeps the dead alive in the minds of the community, and, the ritual surrounding it certainly spurred the community to action, to avenge the deaths and release souls into the afterlife; to name guardians for the children of the deceased.

4Among the Abelam, size and density of decoration meant to overwhelm and inspire awe.

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Long Yam Cult

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Ngwalndu – on carved woodenLintel (detail)

Ngwalndu – sculpted figuresInterior of men’s house

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Men’s initiation cult - Tamberan

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The focus of initiation activities is the ceremonial men’s house which serves as the principal art gallery of the community. Yam displays take place in a clearing dominated by this house as do open-air ceremonies.

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MAN=LONG YAM=SPIRITUAL FORCE

10Clan spirits are represented by long 10-15 foot carved figures.

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Phallic symbolism has two distinct emphases in Abelam art. There is an emphasis on nurture and an association with warfare and violence. The ridgepole of the ceremonial house is seen as male, spear-like, and symbolic of masculine violence in the context of war, piercing the interior space of the house which is seen as female.

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These ideas, man as provider of nourishment as well as man the warrior find expression in the long-yam cult as well. Men compete in the display of yams making these celebrations occasions for hostility and rivalry, since male prestige is dependent upon success. At the same time, it is a cult of nourishment and fertility.

Natural Creativity vs. Cultural Creativity

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In the Highlands, the net bag serves as a metaphor for both “bride” and “womb” – as well as being the principal craft activity of women.

Abelam Artist

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Concentricity , or parallel outlining, as an aesthetic device, enables a master artist to produce a large volume of work and still control the design developed by numerous assistants.

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Abelam Artist

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Change over Time – greater reliance on paint vs.Sculptural form to communicate detail.

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Martin Morububuna: Young Nation 1978

Hagen: SingSingRoman Catholic Church. NW Maprik.1971. Façade modelled on that ofthe Abelam Ceremonial House.

Implications of Globalism