Product Description

Sumba Ancestor Figures

Material: Wood
Style: Sumba, Indonesia
Size: Left: Height 28 cm; Middle: Height 26 cm; Right: Height 27 cm
Order Number: MHSS1

In animist Southeast Asia the origin of human life is thanks to the ancestors, as are all skills, knowledge, materials, prosperity and fertility. It is vital to remember and honour them. Ancestor figures are created as a focus to venerate the founding forbears.

Sumba is an island in eastern Indonesia, one of the Lesser Sunda Islands, in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. It is 3 islands east of Bali just below Flores.

Before colonization by western Europeans in the 1500s, Sumba was inhabited by Melanesian and Austronesian people. In 1522 the Portuguese arrived. By 1866 Sumba belonged to the Dutch East Indies, although it did not come under real Dutch administration until the 20th century. Sumba has a highly stratified society based on a caste system.

25% to 30% of the population practise the animist Marapu religion, worshiping ancestors, local deities and minor spirits. The remainder are Christian.

Note the seated ancestor figures have dramatic elongated faces, with sunken depressions for eyes, smooth hollow cheeks, and long pointed noses. The chin almost disappears, leaving a minimalist slit for a mouth.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).