Ancestor Figure, adu zatua

Central Nias, Indonesia
19th-early 20th c.

Provenance: Old American collection
Published: “Indonesian Tribal Art”, 2015, pg. 66

This sculpture represents the founding ancestors of important lineages in Nias society. Serving a vital role in daily life, it would have been displayed in a noble household, acting as a supernatural protector of the home.

The figure’s aesthetic attributes are equally striking. The standing figure is depicted with bent legs, holding a container between its hands. This container is likely a betel mortar and pestle, a common symbol of wealth and status in the region. The tall crown atop the figure’s head further emphasizes its importance and authority. Carved from hardwood, the adu zatua figure has a dark brown patina that enhances its visual appeal. Both the stone and wood sculptures of Central Nias are angular and far more stylized than those found in the north and south.