Waigeo Island Korwar Figure-Van Lier Collection-Oceanic Art
Van Lier Korwar Figure
Waigeo-Ajau Islands, Raja Ampat Archipelago, West Papua
Probably collected by the protestant missionary Freerk Kamma in the mid-1930s
Theo van Baaren
Leendert van Lier
Christie’s Amsterdam, 15 April 1997, lot 184
Illene & Jerry Liebowitz Collection, New Jersey
Late 19th/early 20th century
9 3/8” (24 cm) in height
I love the restrained expression on this korwar with its overly large head modelled after what van Baaren surmises is a Portuguese helmet—probably the flanged sallet type. The body is decidedly diminutive with an armless torso and tiny bent legs. The surface is worn and smooth with a warm honey-brown patina.
Published in "OCEANIC ART: PROVENANCE AND HISTORY" edited by Michael Hamson, pages 56/57, item 9.