Papua
Korwar
Nature / Ancestral Spirit Danger 3 of 5 · Frightening
- Form
- Ancestral skull-figure spirit
- Origin
- Korwar of the Biak and Cenderawasih Bay peoples: ancestral spirits housed in carved wooden figures (and historically in prepared skulls), consulted as oracles and guardians — among the most famous ancestral arts of New Guinea.
- Behavior
- Oracle and guardian: feasts and consultations keep the ancestor present and favourable.
- Deterrents and vulnerabilities
- Feast offerings; neglect or theft of a korwar invites ancestral anger.
- Diet
- Spiritual energy / offerings
- Culture
- Biak / Cenderawasih Bay peoples
- Region
- Papua
- Sampling
- Added in dataset v3–v5; first placed on a tree here.
Coded characters
◆ New entry coded by folklore synthesis. Sex: Unspecified.
| Human-like | Humanoid, witch, or human spirit |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male, unspecified, or variable |
| Death or birth origin | Not death or birth related |
| Incorporeal | Embodied creature or witch |
| Flight | Grounded |
| Burial | Grave, shroud, or cemetery |
| Children | None |
| Blood and organs | None |
| Theft and mischief | None |
| Hair or fur | None |
| Animal form | None |
| Detached head | None |
| Fire or light | None |
| Water | None |
| Forest | None |
| Settlement | Village, house, hospital, or road |
| Black magic | Black magic or witchcraft central |
| Widespread | Localized |
| Body plan | Humanoid spirit |
| Diet | Life force or offerings |
Nearest on the tree
Identical coding to Datuk Keramat, Eyang Jugo, Opo Empung, Marapu, Lulik, Nunusaku Spirits, Mbis Spirit, so the tree cannot separate them.
