RARE Old KORWAR Dance Figure w/ Mask-Like Face
RARE Old KORWAR Dance Figure w/ Mask-Like Face
Origin: Irian Jaya, Indonesia, Cenderawasih Bay, MacCluer Gulf (Provenance: Originally acquired from an old collection in Oregon. Ex. Tad Dale, Santa Fe New Mexico)
Period/Date: Early 20th century
Materials: Medium density blonde color wood, charcoal paint
Description: Korwar masks and representations of them are quite scarce. Seen here is a figure wearing a mask with village-specific painted facial decoration! A related mask with similar face paint can be seen in the Musees de Marseille and illustrated in "Art Papou Austronesiens et Papous de Nouvelle- Guinee) Scroll down to see reference. The left arm was carved separately and slotted into the body which the right arm is carved away from the body. Compare the patina on the body and its surface to that on the top of the head. The piece was stored and wrapped in cloth expect for the top of the head which has an old oxidized patina. The rest of the body has a dry varied surface as would be expected. It is a charming one-off example which shows the vast spectrum in regional korwar styles. They were made in one specific village in my opinion. Presented on a custom stepped bronze base.
Dimensions: Height 8.5" (21 cm), Width 2.75" (9.5 cm)