DRAMATIC KORWAR CANOE PROW ORNAMENT

Item Code: OC93P

Origin: North West Irian Jaya,  Cenderawasih Bay (Geelvink Bay), Likely Yapen Island   (Provenance: From an old European Collection )

Description:  A flamboyant openwork prow panel likely dating to the 1930s, presented on a custom wood base.  Typically this ornament would have been in the back in a series of ornate pieces which comprised the elaborate and complex canoe prow.  It would have been attached with bamboo strips and held in place by wooden pegs.  This beautiful example features two connecting ancestor faces (Korwar) carved in high relief which served to protect the canoe.  It retains a short tuft of Cassowary feathers above the larger Korwar in the back suggesting hair.  The field is cut with complex interlacing scroll patterns that reflect motifs found in many Indonesian textiles.  It's in very good condition overall with a small area right of center which has been chewed by a rodent.  It has acquired a dark brown varied patina turning to red.  Reference page. 32 "Island Ancestors, Oceanic Art From the Masco Collection"

Dimensions:  Height 66.5 cm,  Width 36 cm 

Price:   $1250  (Approx. 1000 Euros)   FREE SHIPPING with the "Buy Now" Feature