RARE AND IMPORTANT KORWAR ANCESTOR FIGURE.

Origin: Indonesia. Western Papua. Geelvink Bay/Gelvinck/Cenderawasih.
Date: 19th-20th c.
Technique: Wood; carved and with dark patina. Eyes inlaid in blue glass beads (imported from Europe).
Description: Standing on a round base and holding an open-worked shield in front of him. On the head a
small conical cap. Face and ears are elaborately worked out .
Measurement: H.15cm.
Condition A/B.

In West Papua; the recently deceased ancestors are consulted through Korwar figures; which are individually made by a priest (mon) after the death of a person. They are placed in the house and sacrifices are made to them. Before larger journeys and other serious undertakings the ancestor where asked for advice.

Provenance:
-Collection Prof. Dr. Christian Eggers (1938-2020). Children and youth psychiatrist.
-Acquired 2016 at Lempertz; A.1063; lot 112.
-Gallery Lemaire; Amsterdam.