Korwar, Amulet Figure

Doreh Bay, West Papua
19th-early 20th c

Provenance: Old American collection, then by descent to family member

This amulet is unique, as it is quite large, approaching the scale of a full sized Korwar figure. Amulets represent an ancestral spirit and served many functions. They were attached to objects in order to prevent theft, worn by young men in order to attract girls, as well as used to enhance success during hunting and warfare. Its large size indicates that it most likely was worn on the back and tied around the neck by a string. It has a large head with arrow shaped nose and glass inset eyes. The elongated body with scrolling limbs and arched back sits behind a large shield richly decorated with classical ornamentation. Carved from hard wood it’s in excellent condition.