Art of the Asmat (Exhibition)

Exist Dates

1958 October 22 - 1958 November 30

Biographical or Historical Note

abstract

Exhibition. Opened in October 22, 1958 and closed November 30, 1958. Located in Section 5, Floor 2 in the Corner Gallery at the American Museum of Natural History. "Art of the Asmat" was an exhibition of implements and art created by the Asmat people of southwestern New Guinea.

Summary

"Art of the Asmat" was an exhibition of implements and art created by the Asmat people of southwestern New Guinea. The museum acquired the material from a Dutch missionary, the Reverend Gerard Zegwaard of the Mission of the Sacred Heart in Merauke, Netherlands, New Guinea. Among the sculptural carvings in the exhibit were wooden spears, shields, paddles, drums, horns and bowls. The artifacts were on view in the Corner Gallery of the American Museum of Natural History from October 22 through November 30, 1958.

Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: Dr. Harry L. Shapiro, chair of the AMNH Anthropology Department

Sources

N.Y.Herald Tribune, 10/26/58, New Horizons in Science

American Museum of Natural History Press Release, October 22, 1958. Departmental Records, 101; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

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Related Corporate, Personal, and Family Names

American Museum of Natural History. Corner Gallery.
Location of exhibition.

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