Korwar Neck Rest
Geelvink Bay, West Papua
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Pieter Ouborg collection, (1893-1956).
Neck rests from the Geelvink Bay are prized possessions, and this one must have been of high value to its owner. It is composed of two apotropaic korwar figures, carrying on their back delicately ajour carved scrolls. The korwar (meaning « soul » or « spirit ») are ancestor figures commonly depicted as sitting or kneeling figures holding a shield. The patinated and finely aged surface suggests it has been used for a long time. It once belonged to Pieter Ouborg, a dutch artist influenced by cubism, surrealism and part of the Cobra movement.
Korwar Neck Rest
Geelvink Bay, West Papua
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Pieter Ouborg collection, (1893-1956).
Neck rests from the Geelvink Bay are prized possessions, and this one must have been of high value to its owner. It is composed of two apotropaic korwar figures, carrying on their back delicately ajour carved scrolls. The korwar (meaning « soul » or « spirit ») are ancestor figures commonly depicted as sitting or kneeling figures holding a shield. The patinated and finely aged surface suggests it has been used for a long time. It once belonged to Pieter Ouborg, a dutch artist influenced by cubism, surrealism and part of the Cobra movement.