Korwar Ancestor Amulet

Cenderawasih (Geelvink) Bay, New Guinea
19th century
Wood;

Provenance: Edy Hof, the Netherlands; Rodger Dashow, Boston

Published: “Indonesian Tribal Art”, 2015, p. 269.

Formerly in the famed collection of Edy Hof in the Netherlands, this elongated wooden ancestor amulet is distinguished by its angular face and finely carved surface. The prominent, arrow-shaped nose anchors a spare composition of diamond-shaped eyes, small ears, and a sharply defined mouth. The compact head surmounts a slender body, its sides enriched with intricate, interlocking curvilinear motifs. A small human figure carved in relief occupies the lower portion, introducing a second, intimate presence within the larger ancestral image.

The contrast between the strongly ordered face and flowing surface ornament gives this sculpture considerable visual force. Traces of reddish pigment and a varied, worn surface emphasize the carved details, while losses to the lower section expose the wood’s grain and lend the object a weathered character.