KORWAR, Waigeo Island, Raja Ampat Archipelago, Irian Jaya, I

KORWAR, Waigeo Island, Raja Ampat Archipelago, Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Hardwood, patina of age. The tribes of this region maintained altars housing statuettes representing deities, distant ancestors, or relatives who had recently passed away. The figure is depicted seated, with his arms crossed over his raised knees. This high-quality ancient figure features a minimalist, refined face and wears a headdress that likely recalls the light helmets of the Spanish conquistadors’ infantry or may have been influenced by the helmets worn by dancers from the Moluccas during ceremonies for the transmission of cultural heritage. Height: 40 cm. Provenance: Collection of a couple of collectors, Blois. (Certificate of authenticity by Éric Geneste, C.E.C.O.A. expert)