Waigeo Island West Papua Indonesia 1836-37 Pagoda Idols Steel Engraving

Description

Waigeo Island Engraving – Pagoda Idols, 1836          4943-70R503-303

This original Waigeo Island engraving depicts a group of anthropomorphic figures or idols arranged at the entrance of a ceremonial structure described in the original French caption as a “pagoda”.

The plate bears the titles “Île Véguiou” and “Entrée d’une Pagode”. Véguiou is an early French spelling of Waigeo, the largest island in the Raja Ampat archipelago. Waigeo lies west of New Guinea and is now part of Southwest Papua Province, Indonesia.

A 19th-Century Ethnographic Image

The composition shows several carved human figures displayed on a decorated platform. Small objects and apparent offerings are placed before them. The image reflects the terminology and ethnographic interpretation used by European authors during the first half of the 19th century.

It provides an unusual early visual record relating to the religious and material culture of the communities of Waigeo and western New Guinea.

Domeny de Rienzi and Branche

The plate was produced for Grégoire Louis Domeny de Rienzi’s important publication “Océanie ou Cinquième partie du monde”, issued in Paris by Firmin Didot frères in 1836-1837.

The image is attributed to G. L. Domeny de Rienzi and was engraved by Branche. The fine, closely spaced lines and delicate tonal effects are characteristic of steel engraving, a technique widely employed for illustrated geographical and ethnographic publications during this period.

Details

• Original title: Île Véguiou – Entrée d’une Pagode

• Modern location: Waigeo Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

• Region: Southwest Papua

• Author and artist: G. L. Domeny de Rienzi

• Engraver: Branche

• Publisher: Firmin Didot frères, Paris

• Date: 1836-1837

• Technique: steel engraving

• Sheet dimensions: 19 × 12.4 cm

• Engraved image: 14.8 × 10.2 cm

• Period: 19th century

Condition

Good antique condition. Minor handling marks, light toning or small surface irregularities may be present in accordance with age. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the description.

This is an authentic 19th-century impression and not a modern reproduction.