Sumba islands, Indonesia
Wood, natural pigments; height 71cm, thickness 10cm (male); height 75cm, thickness 9 cm (female
Both posts feature longish cylindrical heads topped with headdresses or elaborate hairdos. Both faces have long nose-ridges and delicately-carved eyes and lips. The female has a pair of modest breasts on her chest, and both have diamond-shaped patterns and arms shallowly-carved on their bodies. Both are standing on discs, below which are long poles that were inserted into slots. The facial features, carved patterns and presence of horse-carvings on the two posts are similar, indicating that they were are stylistically a pair. The natural state of weathering and scant remnants of colour throughout both pieces indicate that they were placed outdoors. It is possible that these pieces were once attached to the roof of a Sumba house.

Stabilised. Generally in good condition. There are signs of abrasions and bleaching that are consistent with outdoor exposure to the elements.