An ancestral figure from Desa Swapodio, a village in Biak. - Korwar - West Papua (No Reserve Price)
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Current bid
€ 23
No reserve price
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Selected by Amy Wassing
Nearly 20 years' experience in Indonesian and Oceanian art with museum expertise.
Estimate € 230 - € 280
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Korwar ancestral figure from Desa Swapodio, Biak, West Papua, Indonesia, carved from wood, dating to the late 20th century, measuring 42.5 cm high, 13.75 cm wide and 13.5 cm deep, from a private collection, in good condition, sold without a stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Korwar from Biak, Indonesia.
This korwar originates from Desa Swapodio, a village in Biak, an island in Geelvink Bay, Indonesia.
Korwars are wood carvings that represent the bodies of deceased ancestors. Originally, skulls were incorporated into the korwars, but since the early 20th century, this has been prohibited by Dutch missionaries. The use of human remains in this way was considered incompatible with Christian values. That is also the reason why this korwar is made entirely of wood.
Korwars are used during ceremonies and are seen as new bodies for the souls of the deceased. They were often placed in homes to ask the ancestor spirits for help, protection, or advice.
The item is in good condition. There is a natural void from a knot on the main part.
Seller's Story
Rootz Gallery has an extensive collection of remarkable art objects from the non-Western world and a collection of modern and contemporary art. The art collection originally started with the gathering of modern and contemporary art. Due to a long-standing fascination with other cultures, it was quickly expanded to include non-Western art objects. The gallery has primarily focused on non-Western art for a long time, but has recently also refocused on modern and contemporary art.
Many pieces originate from ritual contexts and have been carefully collected over a period of 40 years. The items, often acquired during travels and coming from old collections, offer a unique insight into authentic cultures and traditions.
Translated by Google TranslateKorwar from Biak, Indonesia.
This korwar originates from Desa Swapodio, a village in Biak, an island in Geelvink Bay, Indonesia.
Korwars are wood carvings that represent the bodies of deceased ancestors. Originally, skulls were incorporated into the korwars, but since the early 20th century, this has been prohibited by Dutch missionaries. The use of human remains in this way was considered incompatible with Christian values. That is also the reason why this korwar is made entirely of wood.
Korwars are used during ceremonies and are seen as new bodies for the souls of the deceased. They were often placed in homes to ask the ancestor spirits for help, protection, or advice.
The item is in good condition. There is a natural void from a knot on the main part.
Seller's Story
Rootz Gallery has an extensive collection of remarkable art objects from the non-Western world and a collection of modern and contemporary art. The art collection originally started with the gathering of modern and contemporary art. Due to a long-standing fascination with other cultures, it was quickly expanded to include non-Western art objects. The gallery has primarily focused on non-Western art for a long time, but has recently also refocused on modern and contemporary art.
Many pieces originate from ritual contexts and have been carefully collected over a period of 40 years. The items, often acquired during travels and coming from old collections, offer a unique insight into authentic cultures and traditions.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Indigenous object name
Korwar
No. of items
1
Country of Origin
West Papua
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
An ancestral figure from Desa Swapodio, a village in Biak.
Height
42.5 cm
Width
13.75 cm
Depth
13.5 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
