Oceania, Papua New Guinea, early 20th century. A finely carved ancestral figure known as a korwar and traditionally portraying a recently deceased ancestor. The figure is depicted in a seated position with elbows placed upon upraised knees and hands to the chin. The body is skillfully delineated with openwork, and the back of the figure actually depicts another figure with a diminutive triangular head and a similar pose. The figure is embellished with incised facial features, a decorative headband, as well as stylized motifs on the integral circular base. Korwar were created to serve as supernatural intermediaries between the world of the living and the world of the deceased. When an individual passed away, relatives would ask a carver who was also a shaman to create a korwar and invite the spirit of the deceased to inhabit it. Size: 4.75" diameter of the integral platform x 13" H (12.1 cm x 33 cm); 16" H (40.6 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA Collection
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#141566
Condition
Loss to back section of integral base/lower back of figure and headband. A few small perforations through back of the neck/head. A few age cracks as shown. Expected surface wear with scuffs and nicks commensurate with age. Nice warm patina. Old collection labels on back of figure and stand.