Two days after Indonesia’s declaration of independence on 17 August 1945, its original eight provinces were established. Today, Indonesia is comprised of 38 provinces, with four most recently being established in 2022, including South Papua, where the Asmat tribe have lived for centuries.
The lives of the Asmat are inextricably linked to their ancestors and nature, and they view the forest and trees as the very source and guardian of life, abundance, and fertility.
This intrinsic connection to nature forms part of the Asmat’s core identity, as evidenced by their traditional costume, which are inspired by and made of natural materials.
The facin head ornament of an Asmat bride, for example, is made of cuscus leather (a marsupial), tisen and red di seeds, and is adorned with feathers of the bird of paradise itself, the cendrawasih.
The elements of the facin represents nature’s protection, while the honored placement atop the bride’s head symbolizes her utmost respect for life-affirming nature.
