Amulet Figure
Korwar, Geelvink Bay, West Papua
19th Century
Provenance: Irwin Hersey collection, New York
Marcia and John Friede collection, Rye, New York

Worn on the body and said to instill courage and protection against disaster, amulet figures are an important part of Korwar society. Carved out of wood, these long objects exhibit a small crouched figure at the top. Delicately carved with lattice like decoration, the figure’s head is abnormally large in relation to the figure’s body. The flat face with raised relief hook nose is a common feature in Korwar artistic traditions.

Height: 5.25 inches
IN 2-11-17 / Price: $2200

 

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