
Rare Fine Kore Spirit Hunting Charm, Ramu River, Middle Sepik
Collection: Guy Spilers/Rene Van den Berghe (further information below)
This is a hand carved wood Kore Spirit from the Minias Village, Keram River in Papua New Guinea. This figure represents the Creator Spirit. These original figures are individually hand carved by tribesmen in as a personal protective deity (hunting charm). The tribesmen carry the small figure around their necks. in their canoes, houses, and bilum bags for protection. Although the carvings are similar, each is completely unique, depending on the artistry and vision of the carver. This is a rare and unique one of a kind old hunting charm with beautiful patina and would be a wonderful addition to your collection. This is a stunning collectors piece.
Close friends, Rene Vanden Berghe and Guy Spilers found themselves living a life of adventure they sought out and embraced. Born in Belgium just prior to WWII, they spent their youth under German occupation. After the war, the adventures continued with National Service in 1953-54 serving in an elite battalion: the para-commando platoon. After military service was over, Rene studied tropical agriculture and used a government grant to start a coffee plantation in the Belgian Congo where he only escaped by “the skin of his teeth” when he had to flee during the Lumumba Insurrection in 1961. He and Guy then emigrated to Australia where they secured employment as overseers for the Catholic Church Mission in New Ireland – running a plantation from 1962-72. Their knowledge, diligence and military training saw the plantation prosper despite tribal fights, earthquakes, riots and the occasional confrontation with axe and knife-wielding workers. Their practical skills were balanced by a love of art, photography and travel. A talented amateur photographer, Rene left an extensive collection of photographs of their experiences and travels. After leaving the plantation they traveled throughout Melanesia, French Polynesia and Micronesia, Europe, Asia and South America before settling in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast. They collected tribal art pieces throughout their travels to inspire Rene’s love of painting and sculpture.
- STANDS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH ANY ITEM –
- Pictures make up part of the description -