Micheal Rockefeller, born in 1938, hailed from a prominent lineage as the grandson of John D. Rockefeller, a renowned figure in the oil industry and one of history's wealthiest individuals. Possessing a deep fascination for indigenous art, Rockefeller embarked on a mission to introduce it to the Western world, leading him to venture to Dutch New Guinea—an expansive island off the Australian coast colonized by the Dutch.
Rockefeller's focus centered on the lives and artistic expression of the Asmat people, an indigenous group whose beliefs attributed supernatural qualities to white individuals. Specifically, Rockefeller immersed himself in studying a particular group of Asmat people residing in the village of Otsjanep.
After his initial visit, Rockefeller returned to the United States but made a subsequent journey to the Asmat region in 1961, accompanied by anthropologist René Wassing. Tragically, their voyage took a harrowing turn when their boat capsized during the journey. Rockefeller valiantly endeavored to swim 12 miles (22 KM) to the nearest shore, while Wassing clung onto the overturned vessel. Regrettably, Rockefeller never resurfaced.
Rockefeller's focus centered on the lives and artistic expression of the Asmat people, an indigenous group whose beliefs attributed supernatural qualities to white individuals. Specifically, Rockefeller immersed himself in studying a particular group of Asmat people residing in the village of Otsjanep.
After his initial visit, Rockefeller returned to the United States but made a subsequent journey to the Asmat region in 1961, accompanied by anthropologist René Wassing. Tragically, their voyage took a harrowing turn when their boat capsized during the journey. Rockefeller valiantly endeavored to swim 12 miles (22 KM) to the nearest shore, while Wassing clung onto the overturned vessel. Regrettably, Rockefeller never resurfaced.
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