Material: Wood
Style: China
Size: Height 16.5 cm, Width 5.5 cm, Depth 5 cm
Order Number: MHSACS1

These ancestral figurines are carved in a soft wood generally used for caring statues and figurines. Both male and female figures are seated and dressed in officials’ robes.

The formal postures and costumes are similar to that of ancestor portraits painted on silk and paper. The ancestral figurines function in the same way: capturing the likeness and spirit of the deceased.

Descendants paid respect to these figures and offered them joss sticks, flowers and fruit. They were placed on the domestic altar and venerated daily.

As early as the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) sculptural images of one’s parents were already in existence.

70–80 years old.

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

The post Antique Chinese Statues appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver and nickel
Style: Bali
Sizes:

Small: Length 18.5 cm, width 6.5 cm, height 5 cm

Order Number: SS2A

The post Silver Reclining Buddha appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

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).

The post Sumba Ancestor Figures appeared first on Murni's in Bali.