Korwar Neck Rest

Geelvink Bay, West Papua
19th-early 20th c.

Provenance: Van Lier collection, Amsterdam. Christies Amsterdam, 1997, “The Van Lier Collection”, lot 180.

Published: “Indonesian Tribal Art” pg. 318

Neck rests from Geelvink Bay are prized possessions, and this one must have been of great value to its owner. It is composed of two apotropaic korwar figures. The term korwar (meaning “soul” or “spirit”) refers to ancestor figures typically depicted sitting or kneeling. This example is unique, as it is the only known instance where the figures face inward toward each other; in all other known examples, the figures face outward. The figures’ heads, oversized upright hands with articulated fingers, and a stylized scrolling pattern in the center support the upper rest. Both figures wear helmets and have eyes inlaid with blue glass trade beads. The large heads and sharp, hooked, triangular noses are characteristic features of korwar. The finely patinated and aged surface suggests that it has been used for a long time.