Korwar Ancestor Figure anthropomorphic a wet and fertile phase

a wet and fertile phase of Saharan prehistory when the region was dotted with lakes and savannah

Renowned for headhunting practices

primarily of oysters

The making of an ainop involves a demanding sequence of fibre preparation: selected branches or bark are heated

It reflects not only the region’s artistic sophistication but also the deep cultural and spiritual significance of cosmetics and personal adornment in the ancient world

Korwar Ancestor Figure anthropomorphic a wet and fertile phaseKorwar 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