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Bisj Pole

Bisj Pole
olekinderhook / CC BY 3.0 · resizedfile

A Bisj, Mbis or Bis pole is a ritual artifact created and used by the Asmat people of South-western New Guinea, Indonesia. They are also common in New Zealand, Vanuatu (formerly the New Hebrides). When a village has experienced a number of deaths a Bisfeast is held. To commemorate the deceased members, a Bisj Pole is carved from a single mangrove tree. Bisj poles can also be erected as an act of revenge, to pay homage to the ancestors, to calm the spirits of the deceased, and to bring harmony and spiritual strength to the community.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

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