Head / neckrest "korwar" ("korvar") · West New Guinea / West Papua (Irian Jaya) - Korvar Region · ID: 3052612
Martin Doustar, Brussels, Belgium
Lempertz, Brussels, Belgium, 31 January 2024, lot 171
Description
wood, traces of black pigment, miniature glass beads, shell,
The term “korwar” (“korvar”) refers to the art of the geographic-cultural region of Kepala Burung, formerly called Vogelkop Peninsula, located in the northwest of Irian Jaya, the Indonesian portion of Papua New Guinea.
The term also refers to the figurative representation of ancestors, created by various ethnic groups living in this region.
The best-known “korwar” come from the coasts of Cenderawasih Bay and depict human figures with enlarged heads and arrow-shaped noses.
The most significant “korwar” were freestanding figures that housed the spirits of the deceased. Smaller “korwar” served as amulets or adorned objects such as staffs, canoe prows, and headrests.
The art of the “korwar” region is culturally closely related to the styles found in neighboring parts of Indonesia.
Comparing literature
Greub, Suzanne, Art of North West New Guinea, New York 1992, p. 47 (on top)