Ancestor figure "adu zatua"

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Description

wood, dark brown patina, high towering crown-shaped head crest, hanging earrings on one side (reserved for titled male), rest. (right hand, nose tip, crack in the body, right foot), slight traces of abrasion;
the people of Nias believe the spirits of the dead to have supernatural powers as well as the ability to influence the living in a positive or negative way. By venerating “adu zatua”, wooden images carved in their likeness, they try to appease the spirits and keep them well-disposed.

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Comparing literature

Nias, Tribal Treasures, Cosmic reflections in stone, wood and gold, Delft 1990, p. 208, ill. 37

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