American Museum of Asmat Art

The American Museum of Asmat Art houses over 2,200 objects from the indigenous Asmat people of southwestern Papua, including wood carvings, masks, and ceremonial items.

Bishop Alphonse Sowada established the museum in 2007 after spending decades working with Asmat communities in Indonesia since 1958, collecting artifacts and documenting their traditions.

The museum displays ancestor poles, traditional canoes, and ceremonial objects that represent the deep spiritual connections and artistic traditions of the Asmat people.

Located in the Anderson Student Center, the museum maintains an online database that provides digital access to its extensive collection of Asmat cultural artifacts.

The museum features rotating exhibitions pairing contemporary photographs by National Geographic Explorer Joshua Irwandi with traditional Asmat objects to show cultural evolution.

Inception: 2007

Website: http://art.stthomas.edu/asmat/amaaust

GPS coordinates: 44.94222,-93.19083

Latest update: March 9, 2025 16:42