Small sculpture "korvar"

Description

wood, brown patina, squatting figure with typical arrow-shaped nose, openworked body with rectangular cavity rising from staff-like base, slightly dam., crack;
“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”. They come in many different sizes. The smallest ones are worn as amulets on necklaces. “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.