Batak Ancestor Statue - Sumatra Island, Indonesia - 1940s

Description of the object:

A superb wooden carved statue, originating from the Lake Toba region on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, and attributed to the Toba Batak population. This unique piece represents a crouching ancestor with a humanoid-headed lizard perched on top of his skull.

The lizard, a symbol of fertility, coexists with a significant detail: an orifice located on the skull, near the lizard and under the statue. These orifices were used by the datu (shaman) to insert the pupuk, a magical substance used in spiritual rituals.

This work illustrates the beliefs and traditions of the Batak, where sculptures were used to honor ancestors and establish a link between the world of the living and that of the spirits.

Condition:

• Good general condition, preserved in its own juice with a beautiful natural patina.

• Presence of some cracks on the skull, the torso, and the base, witnesses of its antiquity and authenticity.

Dimensions:

• Height: 43 cm

• Width: 15 cm

• Base diameter: 16 cm

• Weight: 2.3 kg

About this piece:

This sculpture is a fascinating testimony to the art and spirituality of the Toba Batak. Ideal for lovers of tribal art, collectors of ethnographic pieces or those interested in Indonesian culture.

Secure shipping:

The statue will be carefully packaged to ensure safe transport. International shipping

Note: Photos are available upon request for a better appreciation of the details

of this unique piece.

€2,500.00

Quantity