Handle
Indonesia, Timor
Early 20th Century
Buffalo Horn
Provenance: Old European Collection

This handle would have originally been attached to a gourd and used to make offerings of sacred water at important ceremonies. This handsome example has been expertly carved into the shape of a bird, whose  beak and large eye sits just below where the wood transitions to gourd attachment. The entire surface of the handle is carved on both sides in a relief depicting multiple smaller birds in a lattice work type of design.  The handle exhibits a rich patina from use.

Height: 14.5 inches
IN 7-8-16 / SOLD