Royal Ancestor Figure, Adu zatua

Nias, Indonesia
19th-early 20th century

Provenance: James Silberman collection, Alexandria, Virginia. This beautifully carved standing figure with a stylized moustache and beard is wearing male jewellery and a nifato-fato necklace.  On his head he is wearing a crown with long, vertical, pointed palm leaf ornaments.  His bent arms and large hands pointing downwards are quite unique. He has flexed legs with thick calves and large feet.