Korwar Neck Rest
Geelvink Bay, West Papua
19th – early 20th c.
Provenance: Rodger Dashow collection, Boston. By descent to family member.
Published: “Indonesian Tribal Art”. 2015, pgs. 316-317
This finely crafted neck rest from the Geelvink Bay region of West Papua reflects both utilitarian function and spiritual significance. Such objects were cherished personal items, often passed down through generations, and served not only as head supports but also as potent links to the ancestral world.
The neck rest is supported by two korwar figures—apotropaic ancestral effigies carved with remarkable sensitivity. The term korwar, meaning “soul” or “spirit,” refers to figures that traditionally embody the spirits of revered ancestors. These figures are commonly shown seated or kneeling, cradling a shield—a symbol of both protection and spiritual guardianship. In this example, each korwar supports an elegantly carved openwork scroll on its back, adding a dynamic sense of movement and refinement to the composition.
The richly patinated surface, with its warm tones and signs of prolonged handling, suggests sustained ritual or personal use. In Geelvink Bay cultures, such pieces were more than aesthetic or comfort items—they were mediators between the living and the dead, often consulted in times of illness, conflict, or decision-making. They could even house the spirits of ancestors, whose wisdom continued to guide and protect their descendants.
This neck rest stands not only as a testament to the artistry of the region but also as a window into a worldview in which the boundaries between the physical and spiritual were fluid, and the presence of ancestors a constant and guiding force.
Size
Length: 7 1/8 in / 22.5 cm
Item
IN 7-1-25 / Price on request
Gallery
Korwar Neck Rest
Geelvink Bay, West Papua
19th – early 20th c.
Provenance: Rodger Dashow collection, Boston. By descent to family member.
Published: “Indonesian Tribal Art”. 2015, pgs. 316-317
This finely crafted neck rest from the Geelvink Bay region of West Papua reflects both utilitarian function and spiritual significance. Such objects were cherished personal items, often passed down through generations, and served not only as head supports but also as potent links to the ancestral world.
The neck rest is supported by two korwar figures—apotropaic ancestral effigies carved with remarkable sensitivity. The term korwar, meaning “soul” or “spirit,” refers to figures that traditionally embody the spirits of revered ancestors. These figures are commonly shown seated or kneeling, cradling a shield—a symbol of both protection and spiritual guardianship. In this example, each korwar supports an elegantly carved openwork scroll on its back, adding a dynamic sense of movement and refinement to the composition.
The richly patinated surface, with its warm tones and signs of prolonged handling, suggests sustained ritual or personal use. In Geelvink Bay cultures, such pieces were more than aesthetic or comfort items—they were mediators between the living and the dead, often consulted in times of illness, conflict, or decision-making. They could even house the spirits of ancestors, whose wisdom continued to guide and protect their descendants.
This neck rest stands not only as a testament to the artistry of the region but also as a window into a worldview in which the boundaries between the physical and spiritual were fluid, and the presence of ancestors a constant and guiding force.
Size
Length: 7 1/8 in / 22.5 cm
Item
IN 7-1-25 / Price on request
Gallery