Male ancestor figure "adu zatua"
Indonesia - South Nias, Teluk-Dalam Province, Village Bawomataluo
sold
EUR 1,700
Provenance
collected in situ, 1983Belgian Private Collection
Size
H: 32 cm
H: 12.6 inch
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.