Korwar Ancestor Figure

Korwar area, late 19th century, Cenderawasih (Geelvink) Bay region, Indonesian province of Papua (Irian Jaya)

This extraordinary and exceedingly rare korwar ancestral figure originates from the Korwar region in the Cenderawasih (Geelvink) Bay area of Papua, Indonesia. Carved from a single piece of wood, the statue represents a squatting human figure with a dramatically oversized head, which has been hollowed out to house an actual ancestor skull—a profound and tangible connection to the spirit of the deceased. The figure wears a serrated headdress or tiara, further emphasizing its sacred and ceremonial significance. Korwar figures embody revered ancestor spirits, commanding both veneration and caution. These statues often hold a shield, sometimes positioned to support the figure's chin, adorned with intricate designs such as spirals, scrolls, and s-curves. The exact symbolism of the shield remains ambiguous, though some scholars suggest it may derive from the snake, a motif tied to rejuvenation and regeneration—central concepts in the traditional beliefs of the Cenderawasih Bay peoples.

The creation of a korwar was a highly selective and sacred act, performed by shamanic practitioners (mon) following the death of a prominent individual, such as a clan leader or an expedition chief. These figures served as spiritual vessels, housing the essence of an ancestor and acting as intermediaries between the living and the divine. Families would consult their korwar for guidance on critical life events such as births, marriages, and deaths. They were also believed to offer protection during headhunting raids, healing for the sick, and invisibility for warriors. Additionally, korwar figures were carried on perilous sea voyages to ensure safe passage and success. Their influence extended beyond the home, with miniature versions worn as amulets and korwar-inspired designs incorporated into canoe ornaments.

However, the practice of creating and using korwar figures faced dramatic decline starting in the late 19th century, due to the efforts of Protestant missionaries to suppress traditional beliefs and customs. By the early 1900s, the Dutch colonial government banned the use of ancestor skulls in the sculptures, leading to the cessation of korwar production. Many existing figures were destroyed, though some were preserved and sent to museums in the Netherlands.

This particular korwar figure, acquired in the early 20th century by a Dutch government official, remains remarkably intact with its original ancestor skull. Its survival is a testament to the profound spiritual and artistic traditions of the Cenderawasih Bay peoples, offering a rare glimpse into their complex and reverent relationship with the ancestral world.

Excellent condition. The hardwood has a beautiful grey tint, eroded in several places and shows deep traces of wear, due to bad weather. Size approx. 51,0cm x 21,5cm x 21,0cm. 

Provenance: Dutch private collection.

References and further reading:

Raja Ampat Ritual Art: Spirit Priests and Ancestor Cults in New Guinea’s Far West, Raymond Corbey, Leiden: C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2017.

Knowing Korwar: Ancestor Figures from Cenderawasih Bay, Bowers Museum, Collection Blog, Thursday, 25 August 2022. (https://www.bowers.org/index.php/collection/collection-blog/korwar-figure-from-cenderawasih-bay)

Borneo and Beyond: Tribal Arts of Indonesia, East Malaysia and Madagascar, Michael Heppell & Robyn Maxwell, Published by Bareo Gallery, 1990.