Author: Smidt, D.A.M. (Ed.).
Title: Kamoro Art. Tradition and Innovation in a New Guinea Culture.
Description: 156 pp.; 127 colour illus., 74 b/w & colour field photographs, map, bibliography. This publication depicts & describes the renowned Kamoro (formerly known as Mimika, South Papua) collection of the National Museum of Ethnology, Leiden. With essays by J. Pouwer, D. Smidt, Methodius Mamapuku, Hein A. van der Schoot & K. Jacobs. Exh. cat. National Museum of Ethnology, Leiden. Amsterdam, 2003. Hbk. This book celebrates the long neglected art of the Kamoro, a people living along the southwest coast of Papua. Traditional Kamoro culture was characterised by an almost uninterrupted series of feasts and ceremonies. Some of these feasts are still celebrated today. Woodcarvings made in a distinct style play an essential part in the proceedings. For the first time, a selection of major pieces from the collection of the Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, augmented by rare object from other museums in the Netherlands, has been brought together. Many of the objects, some collected as early as 1828, are unique. Recently collected woodcarvings show the versatility of the Kamoro in continuing the tradition while adding innovation changes to their repertoire.

Keywords: New Guinea/Melanesia RMV