Asmat Myth of Creation
Recounted by Tobias Schneebaum

The most well-known myth of Asmat tells of Fumeripitsj, the Creator, sitting alone in loneliness in his great jungle feast house.

One day, he decided to make carvings.  He carved figures, each with a head and a body, with two arms and two legs.  Some were male, some were female.  He carved them well and placed them inside the feast house.  He was pleased with his work but still lonely.

Fumeripitsj then began carving a drum.  He cut down a tree and hollowed out a section of log.  He put a lizard skin over one end and tied it with rattan and a mixture of his own blood and white lime.

When it was ready, he beat on the drum.  Soon the figures around him began to move, jerkily at first.  He beat the drum faster and the figures began to move faster and more easily.  The figures gradually came to life, and in this way, the first Asmat appeared.

Learn more about the people of Papua and the Croiser Fathers and Brothers with links below...

• Learn more about the people and culture of the Asmat.
• Learn more about the Croiser Fathers and Brothers
• Invite a Croiser Father or Brother to come to give an exciting presentation to your parish, school, or group about Papua or our diocesan connections with the people around the world.
• Check out the American Museum of Asmat Art programs for school children.
  Visit the Asmat Musuem in Shoreview, Minnesota
  or call to arrange a guided tour at (651) 287-1132
• Watch a wonderful documentary about the Croiser Fathers and Brothers living and ministering in Papua, available through the Mission Office.

To learn more about
our other mission connections;
return to the Mission Education for Youth Home Page