Ancestor Figure

Nias Batu Island, Indonesia
19th Century


This is a superb example of Batu Island carving. The face on this figure is startlingly realistic and the body is extremely well carved. This example has such presence that the viewer almost feels the deep penetrating gaze. The wood is hard and oxidized showing great age. The original lime pigmented surface is fairly well intact; which is very rare to find. The only other known example with original pigment is in the Tropen Museum in Amsterdam.

SOLD IN / 1012