Korwar Ancestor Figure anthropomorphic primarily of oysters

primarily of oysters

Khmer ceramics

The vessel’s globular body

A standout feature of this set is the use of Egyptian faience (tjehenet)

Minor nicks and chips

Korwar Ancestor Figure anthropomorphic primarily of oystersKorwar area, 19th century, Cenderawasih (Geelvink) Bay region, Indonesian province of Papua (Irian Jaya) Exceptional and very rare ancestral korwar figure, carved from a single piece of hardwood and presenting a standing human figure on an oval base. The sculpture features a symbolically oversized head, hollowed to house a real partial ancestor skull. The face is finely balanced, with a strong pointed nose with flaring nostrils, almond shaped eyes