Double BiPane, nose ornament, ASMAT, Papua New Guinea

Two nose ornaments from the Asmat, Ajip River region, Papua New Guinea. Made of shell; the bottom one is completely made of shell and the top one also has small cowrie shells and resin. I had a custom made stand made for it.

The Bi Pane is a nose ornament that was traditionally worn by Asmat men. It is made of various materials, such as wood, shell, ivory, or bone, and is often decorated with complex patterns and symbols that have a deeper meaning. This ornament was often worn during rituals, ceremonies or in important social and religious contexts, such as initiations or celebrations.

The Bi Pane, specifically in the Asmat culture, is often symmetrical in design and can vary in size and decoration, depending on the specific tribe or the purpose of the ceremony. It is designed to give the wearer an elevated status or spiritual power, and it can also be symbolic of connection with ancestors or spiritual beings.

Cultural and Social Significance
The Asmat tribe has a rich cultural tradition that is strongly rooted in spirituality and respect for nature. The Bi Pane nose ornaments were seen as powerful symbols that not only had aesthetic value, but also spiritual and social meaning. Wearing such an ornament can indicate that the wearer fulfills an important role in the community, for example as a leader or ritual specialist.

In addition, the design of the Bi Pane often reflects the beliefs of the Asmat people about the world, nature and the supernatural. For example, the use of shells or ivory can be related to ritual trade practices, while the geometric patterns are often related to the stories or myths of the tribe.

Summary
The Bi Pane nose ornament is therefore not just an aesthetic object, but an integral part of the Asmat culture, which is connected to status, rituals and the spiritual world. The use of this ornament has deep cultural meanings that emphasize the connection of the wearer to the community and the cosmos.

Dimensions: length in a straight line, 15 cm and 13.5 cm
Origin: Ajip River region, Papua New Guinea
Weight on stand total: 208 grams
Date: 2nd half of the 20th century
Provenance: Obtained from a Flemish private collection