Southeast Asia, Indonesia, North Sumatra Province, Nias Islands, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fabulous wood architectural panel featuring a high relief carving of an ancestor figure seated in a tall headdress on a ceremonial chair. The throne, ornamentation, and headdress which signifies the tree of life- all indicate a person of importance. Finely carved, with rich reddish brown- but nearly black patina throughout, this panel was used for worship and the patina may have developed from rubbing fat or oil into the surface as offerings. Deceased family members were honored with these stylized carvings- and their spirits were believed to reside within the wood to help the living communicate with the supernatural. General ancestor figures were known as "adu zatua," while noble and legendary chieftain figures were called "adu siraha salawa"- such as this example. These figural panels were set into the walls or shrines of houses to provide protection. Size: 8" L x 3.5" W x 17.8" H (20.3 cm x 8.9 cm x 45.2 cm); 19.5" H (49.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Ancestors played a vital role in the daily lives of the peoples of Nias; ancestors were thought to be responsible for the creation of the world, to ensure fertility and wealth, and prevent disasters. When an individual passed away, a wooden image known as an adu zatua (also adu zafua), was created to house the deceased's spirit and mediate between the world of the living and the world of the deities. Offerings were made to adu zatua figures in order to ensure the effigy's constant support and benevolence.

Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York, New York, USA; ex-Bonham's London, April 1989

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#171582

Panel is a fragment of a larger piece, but ancestor figure is excellent. Stable pressure fissure radiation from head to chair of figure and on panel. Chip and loss to upper panel. Lustrous and smooth patina throughout.