Asmat Shield-Tobias Schneebaum-New Guinea Art-Oceanic Art
Tobias Schneebaum was charming, witty and warm; those who knew him have not forgotten him. He spent an enormous amount of time in the Asmat area and his publications on the art are in most Oceanic reference libraries. He did not have a large personal collection, but I was fortunate to acquire most of it after he passed. This is my last shield from Tobias. It is an old one from the Brazza River area. You can see it lined up in the black and white photo from a proof sheet of images. It has extensive age and wear. Wonderfully concaved with a large worn handle and scalloped surface the shield has seen obvious strife. The piece dates to the mid 20th century (old for Asmat material), is 75” (190.6 cm) in height.