The human skull, wood, beads, textiles
Cendrawasih Bay, Papua
Obtained before 1914
No. Inv. 17632
The people of Papua in Cendrawasih Bay believe in the existence of two spirit rur and nin one body. The time of death, the body (baken saprop) will be broken and transferred to a special place, the world of bodies (yen aibui). The spirit (rur) and the shadow spirit (nin) take the place of his own. Rur will go to the spirit world and in the sky (nanggi). Nin will dwell in korwar with a live person. Nin or the shadow of the spirit which is in korwar is believed to give power to keep the family, maintain the garden, bring the rain, to keep away the disease, and also vex, hurt and scare people who are still alive.
Korwar just made for leaders-leaders that are considered important, men and women. Ordinary people will make korwar of wood called amfi anir. For the chieftains and elders of indigenous groups, or clans made korwar that the head contains their skulls, called amfi anir opur bukor.
The Location Of The Exhibition Space Of The National Museum :
Building A Gallery, A Cultural History Of Indonesia
