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Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Asmat Tribe - Cycles of Revenge and Skull as your Pillow









The Asmat, who number 65,000 people, live in the coastal swamp forest of southern Irian Jaya. Although they are a Papuan people, many of their beliefs and traditions resemble Austronesians ideas about life and death. They live in pile houses along the banks of the tidal rivers.

The Asmat are famous for their cycles of revenge.

The dead are always living in their society. They believe that no matter how a person dies, be it old age, illness or an accident, this is caused by the enemies. Hence, revenge needs to be carried out. To remind themselves of taking revenge, they will raise totem pole in their compounds. The earlier the revenge is sought, the better it is because an unavenged death would bring misfortune for the living.


The dead are ususally buried in front of the man's houses with their feet towards the river. If the dead happens to be an important warrior or leader, the body would be left on a platform in front of the men's house to decompose. The skull is then removed and decorated before being placed in the men's house. Often a living relative will wear the skull around his neck, and use it as a pillow, so that the spirit of the deceased will help the living.


Now I have linked you to two clips for your reference. I have yet to establish if they are Asmat, but they are still close to what we watch in the Ring of Fire.


Lastly, would you turn your back on modern life and join me in search of the last cannibals in our fascinating world?


Enjoy.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTRvcROcWHg&feature=related



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DeVovHw1RY



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Posted at 7:54 AM, 0 Comment(s)


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