Copyright © 2023 Fowler Museum. All Rights Reserved.

Sitemap Privacy Policy

Admission is Free | Open Wed–Sun

BACK TO COLLECTION

X85.1075 Ancestor figure

 

Not Currently On View in Intersections

 

Object Name: Ancestor figure
Cultural Group: Korwar
Place of Origin: Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua (New Guinea), Indonesia
Date: 19th-early 20th century
Materials Used: Wood and glass beads
Dimensions: H: 26.3 cm, W: 11.5 cm, D: 15.3 cm (H: 10.4 in, W: 4.5 in, D: 6.0 in)
Credit line and Accession Number: Fowler Museum at UCLA. The Jerome L. Joss Collection. X85.1075

Ancestor figures, known as korwar, from Cenderawasih Bay functioned as oracles and were used by priests in rituals to transform the soul of someone who had died and allow it to live in the world of the ancestors. Discarded korwar were placed as guardians in graves.

Source: Gallery text, Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives, 2006

SKU: X85.1075 Category:

Stay Connected

preloader