Ancestor figure "korvar" ·  Westneuguinea / Westpapua (Irian Jaya) · ID: 3035082

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, standing, both arms stretched out to the front resting on two staffs, dominated by a large head with characteristic arrow-shaped nose, slightly dam., rep. (ankles, upperarms), base;
“Korvar” is the name used to describe the art of the geographical and cultural area of Kepala Burung, formerly called “Vogelkop Peninsula”, in north-west Irian Jaya. At the same time figurative representations of ancestors are called “korvar”. “Korvar” provide the link between the worlds of the dead and the living. As in most Oceanic cultures, the ancestor is consulted for advice and help in all major matters.

The object Ancestor figure “korvar” with the object ID 3035082 was part of the auction 73rd tribal art auction on May 25, 2013. The object with the lot number 33 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,600 with an asking price of EUR 900.

You can find more Figures and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on Oceanian art.

Comparing literature

Meyer, Anthony J.P., Ozeanische Kunst, Vol. I, Köln 1995, p. 55 f.