Kwoma head - Waskuk Hills (Papua New Guinea) - Jac Hoogerbrugge collection

Description

Intriguing Kwoma head from the Waskuk Hills (Central Sepik, Papua New Guinea), a rare fragment of a ceremonial facade decoration with powerful expression and traces of original painting.

Carved from light wood, this expressive Kwoma head shows the typical elongated facial features and open mouth of the Sepik style. Remnants of red, white and black pigment testify to its ritual function and age. The sculpture is mounted on a modern pedestal, giving it an elegant presentation without compromising the authenticity of the object.

Origin & meaning
The Kwoma people of the Central Sepik region are known for their vibrant religious art. Ceremonial houses (haus tambaran) were decorated with heads of spirits or ancestors, meant to provide protection during rituals and connect the community to the spiritual realm. This fragment, probably from a gable or roof collar decoration, embodies that protective power and artistic sophistication.

Originating from the collection of Jac Hoogerbrugge, a Dutch collector who made numerous trips to Oceania between 1960 and 1980. His objects are praised for their field provenance and authentic selection, often with strong aesthetic quality.

Dimensions & condition
Height 32.5 cm (including plinth); width 24 cm; depth 13 cm.
Good, stable condition with natural weathering, pigment loss and signs of age. Mounted on modern plinth.

The collection of Jac Hoogerbrugge (Netherlands, 1930-2020) was built up between the 1960s and 1980s during extensive travels through Africa and Oceania. Hoogerbrugge was known for his accurate field notes and eye for artistic quality. His collection included a wide selection of tribal art with well-documented provenance, several pieces of which are today considered reference objects within Dutch private collections.