Male ancestor figure "adu zatua" ·  Indonesia - South Nias, Teluk-Dalam Province, Village Bawomataluo · ID: 3044727

Description

wood, rest., collection number “LC 1632”, base

Throughout Nias such wooden images were produced as receptacles for ancestor spirits. They were placed inside the houses, on small platforms often built near the bas-relief altars called “hagu laso” or “nahia nadu”.

Ancestor images in all areas of Nias were depicted with rich jewellry. These elaborate sculpted ornaments replicate those worn by the highest nobility.