Korwar Amulet Figure

Geelvink Bay, West Papua
19th-Early 20th Century

Provenance:  Old American collection. By descent to family member

This very old and superb Korwar is a type seldom found. The main figure is classically conceived in early Korwar style. Its stylized body, boldly carved face and the fluting on its headdress are just a few of its distinctive features. What makes this example so rare is that there is also a small figure carved in relief on the front and an additional miniature amulet figure that is strung and suspended on a fiber cord flanked by old European glass beads. Unfortunately the head of this miniature charm is missing, it broke long ago. The patina is deep and varied from years of handling and ritual use.

Canoe Prow Ornament

Sko, Humboldt Bay, West Papua
Early 20th Century

Provenance: Old French collection, acquired in the 1980’s

Carved as a unique ornament for the fishing canoes from the Sko area, these elaborately carved prows usually depict the Friar bird which is believed by the local people to be a messenger from their ancestors, as well as guardians watching over the fishermen at sea. Besides the bird head at the top, there are denizens of the sea incorporated into the prow’s design, including a shark, sawfish and dolphin.  The surface has an encrusted weathered grey surface, suggesting that after many years of sea fairing, the canoe it adorned was stored away for an extended period of time. The composition of all these various elements is very well balanced and masterly conceived. Clearly it was created by a very skilled hand.

Height:  12 in / 30.5 cm

Two Coconut Shell Spoons, arita

Elema, Papuan Gulf, Papua New Guinea. Early 20th century

Provenance: William Ohly, London.  Peter Schnell collection, Switzerland, acquired from above in 1962.

These objects are perfect examples of how Papuan Gulf art can fuse both forms with function.  These spoons were both utilitarian objects and one of the items given to young men to use during the hevehe ritual cycle, where they chew ginger during a six-week isolation stage with strict food and sexual taboos. Young men use these special spoons exclusively to avoid possible contact with forbidden foods being consumed by people not undergoing initiation. The round open section at the top of the spoon was created so that tassels of dyed sago leaf and sprigs of ginger could be attached.  These examples were carved with a central spirit face and connected stylized torso. The design is carved in low relief and highlighted with crushed limestone powder. Included with these spoons are Schnell’s original inventory cards, presumably created shortly after he acquired the spoons in 1962 from Ohly.