Phallic figures surmounting Asmat pole sculptures known as bis poles, The poles were carved for ceremonies related to successful head hunting raids. The imagery fuses human figures, hornbill birds, and the praying mantis, which, because it eats the head of its mate, was an important symbol of head hunting. Irian Jaya (New Guinea), Indonesia. Oceanic. Asmat / 20th c South west New Guinea.