The figures on these poles represent spirits of Asmat people who have died.
They remind the living community to seek revenge for their deaths.
This based on the belief that their deaths could only have been caused by black magic or warfare.
Revenge must be taken before the dead can travel to the spirit world of their ancestors.
The figures on these poles are ranked according to family status.
The Phallic extensions towards the top of the poles symbolise male power.