III. Kamoro Art: The art of woodcarving

Kamoro woodcarving is characterised by motifs carved in openwork and relief. This relief decoration consists of an apparently irregular, geometrical and a-symmetrical pattern. Motifs of this kind appear on a variety of woodcarvings: figures, ceremonial panels, sago beaters and sago bowls, prow ornaments, paddles, and drums.

In some pieces the 'relief ground' is pierced, producing filigree work. The openwork woodcarving is not restricted to two-dimensional objects, but also appears on three-dimensional items such as the large spirit poles. Motifs found in Kamoro woodcarving are antropomorphic, zoömorphic (the hornbill, crocodile, cassowary, snake) and 'abstract'.
In addition we find the mopere, an apparently subordinate oval navel-like motif, of great significance. This central motif symbolises women's fertility, and the essence of life. It also appears as a kneecap, ankle, elbow, or wrist joints, and symbolises the movement of the living body.

<< previous        next >>