This is my super rare collection of the ancestor skull of remote Asmat tribe in Papua, Indonesia.

Asmat skulls are typically decorative “Ancestor” skulls, removed from the heads of family members upon their death. The skull is scorched over flames, cleaned, and decorated with beads, shells, feathers, and occasionally paint.

The nose decorations are usually made from shell, wood, or bone and often feather headdresses and other ornamental additions are made. These skulls are placed in special areas of the village to honor the lives of loved ones who have traveled to the spirit world.