IMPORTANT 19TH C. KORWAR FEMALE MATERNITY FIGURE, RARE STYLE
Item Code: OC505-566
Origin:
Period/Date: 19th century, believed to be a style from the 1860s-1870s
Materials: Wood, plant fiber
Description: This is a rare and fascinating curvilinear style of Korwar. Research suggests that this type was made around the 1860's based on collection dates of museum examples. The style is represented in the inventory of the Tropen Museum in Amsterdam which has a vast array of styles. What's special about this Korwar is that it was clearly made to honor an important or high ranking female, possibly the wife of a chief. She may also represent the wife and child of the "supreme divinity" who is the creative power in the universe. She is distinctly female with breasts but most significant has an infant clinging to its back which is a totally unique feature in the corpus of Korwar figures. Other special features include its big hair which is made of fiber bundles individually secured with small wooden plugs. The impressive facial tattooing was carved and then highlighted with a heated metal object or glowing wooden poker. The angles and fluidness of the sculpture's hands and legs are carefully duplicated in the infant.
Here the skilled artist has pushed the boundaries as far has he could carefully balancing the thin and slender neck while making the head has large and heavy as possible. The objects and their meaning that she and her infant are holding are unknown and lost to the intentions of the ritual artist. The two sets of markings on the side of the base are believed to be that of the artist's signature. Its base was cut with an adze in the traditional style. It has acquired a natural honey color patina from handling and has no European wax or varnish. It is in good condition expect for a couple age cracks in the base. There is no substitute for seeing this piece in person where its splendor and nuances radiate!
There is a great deal of variation in Korwars and no two are exactly alike. The Korwar was the physical medium the Papuans of Geelvink bay would use to communicate with their Ancestors. It was present at all important events such as births, weddings and especially at deaths and the subsequent period of mourning. Korwars were carved by the ritual specialists in the presence of all relations and friends of the recently deceased. Feasting, drinking and dances known as "Kajoop" took place during the period of its creation. Upon its completion the deceased's wandering spirits would be driven into the Korwar by having all the villagers banging, yelling and making the loudest din possible. The ritual Shaman would grimace and contort his faces while shaking the Korwar violently until the spirit entered in. Korwars would be consulted if a person had questions about a serious illness, conditions for a future canoe voyage, results of an important fishing expedition, or on other matters that only ones ancestors could safely advise. The questioner would bring an offering of tobacco or cloth and if the response was affirmative nothing visible would happen, If, however, the Korwar would respond negative, the person would begin to tremble or shake. (Ref. P. Van Baaren, "Korwars and Korwar Style, Den Haag, 1968)
Dimensions: Overall Height 16.5" (42 cm), Width 5.75" (14.5 cm)
Price: Upon request
