Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, North Sumatra Province, Nias Island, ca. early 20th century CE. A fine example of a hand-carved wooden ancestral figure, of a minimalist form with anthropomorphic features displayed atop a rectangular plaque-style body. The protruding human head features almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose above a slender mustache, full lips, a singular elongated earlobe, and a pair of spiral-tipped horns - perhaps representing a headdress - rising from atop the head. The pectoral muscles are gently carved atop the chest, and the lower bears male genitalia in high relief. Adu zafua (male ancestor) figures are meant to safely contain the souls of one's deceased ancestors so they can be consulted and praised in the generations to come. Size: 4.375" W x 29.125" H (11.1 cm x 74 cm); 30.375" H (77.2 cm) on included custom stand.

For another example of an Adu Zafua figure of a three-dimensional form, please see The Brooklyn Museum, accession number 34.6073.

Provenance: private Nevada, USA collection

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#150099

  • Condition: Minor nicks to body, genitalia, head, and horns, with light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout.

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October 3, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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