Material: Limestone
Style: Central Nias, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Size: Height 38 cm, Length 68 cm, Width 32 cm
Order Number: MHSANLOO2

80-90 years.

Nias is an island located off the western coast of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Until the arrival of the Dutch Nias had one of the most vibrant warrior cultures of the Indonesian archipelago and their stonecarvings have a distinctive style.

The villages were orderly and densely populated and surrounded by stone walls. Wide, steep stairs lead to avenues with large wooden houses and tables, chairs, monuments, sculptures,  watercourses, public baths and wells.

A Stone Age cave shelter, the Togi Ndrawa cave, used for 3000 years was discovered by French archeologist Hubert Forestier in 2005 in Northwest Nias dating to 2500 – 1500 AD, containing human bones and Neolithic tools.

The missionaries of the late 19th and early 20th century spared stonecarvings from destruction, unlike woodcarvings, as offerings were not made to them.

Nias had a highly stratified society and a continual series of elaborate feasts when megaliths were erected, live human sacrifices were staged and offerings of heads.

North and Central Nias produced most of the free-standing stone statues. Central Nias provided the oldest and most mysterious figures. It was a patriarchal society and most statues are male.

Ritual seats called osa-osa were found only in Central Nias. Elders sat on them during ceremonies. They can be round or rectangular and in the form of real or mythological animals.

Hornbills, with their curved heads and beaks, and stags are both associated with ancestors. Nias is the home of the Giant Hornbill. They were worshipped as magical creatures.

Small ones were placed on large ancestral pillars called behu during ceremonies to honour the founding ancestors of the village.

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

The post Antique Nias Hornbill Osa-Osa appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Limestone
Style: Central Nias, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Size: Height 36 cm, Length 62 cm, Width 34 cm
Order Number: MHSANLOO1

80-90 years.

Nias is an island located off the western coast of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Until the arrival of the Dutch Nias had one of the most vibrant warrior cultures of the Indonesian archipelago and their stonecarvings have a distinctive style.

The villages were orderly and densely populated and surrounded by stone walls. Wide, steep stairs lead to avenues with large wooden houses and tables, chairs, monuments, sculptures,  watercourses, public baths and wells.

A Stone Age cave shelter, the Togi Ndrawa cave, used for 3000 years was discovered by French archeologist Hubert Forestier in 2005 in Northwest Nias dating to 2500 – 1500 AD, containing human bones and Neolithic tools.

The missionaries of the late 19th and early 20th century spared stonecarvings from destruction, unlike woodcarvings, as offerings were not made to them.

Nias had a highly stratified society and a continual series of elaborate feasts when megaliths were erected, live human sacrifices were staged and offerings of heads.

North and Central Nias produced most of the free-standing stone statues. Central Nias provided the oldest and most mysterious figures. It was a patriarchal society and most statues are male.

Ritual seats called osa-osa were found only in Central Nias. Elders sat on them during ceremonies. They can be round or rectangular and in the form of real or mythological animals.

This one is called osa osa si sara mbagi, meaning a seat with only one head. It is carved in the form of a lasara –  a creature with a dragon-like head and bird-like tail. It is related to the mythic naga serpent and associated with the underworld, fertility and water. They have a protective function and enhance the power of the nobility on Nias.

Osa-osa are extremely well carved and are used by noble men and women or are made for an ancestor. They are only used once during a ceremony for their consecration. They are seats of honour for the nobility during festivals raised to a higher position and are classified according to the number of heads. One headed pieces are to commemorate men who have given a feast. Three headed ones are usually for clan elders. The seats form part of large megalithic plazas that are ritual centres in Central Nias villages.

There are also hornbills and stags, both associated with ancestors.

Small ones were placed on large ancestral pillars called behu during ceremonies to honour the founding ancestors of the village.

There is a similar one in The Asian Civilisations Museum Guide, 2003, page 236.

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

The post Antique Nias Lasara Osa-Osa appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Limestone
Style: Central Nias, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Size: Height 49 cm, Length 36 cm, Width 13 cm
Order Number: MHSANLOO3

80-90 years.

Nias is an island located off the western coast of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Until the arrival of the Dutch Nias had one of the most vibrant warrior cultures of the Indonesian archipelago and their stonecarvings have a distinctive style.

The villages were orderly and densely populated and surrounded by stone walls. Wide, steep stairs lead to avenues with large wooden houses and tables, chairs, monuments, sculptures,  watercourses, public baths and wells.

A Stone Age cave shelter, the Togi Ndrawa cave, used for 3000 years was discovered by French archeologist Hubert Forestier in 2005 in Northwest Nias dating to 2500 – 1500 AD, containing human bones and Neolithic tools.

The missionaries of the late 19th and early 20th century spared stonecarvings from destruction, unlike woodcarvings, as offerings were not made to them.

Nias had a highly stratified society and a continual series of elaborate feasts when megaliths were erected, live human sacrifices were staged and offerings of heads.

North and Central Nias produced most of the free-standing stone statues. Central Nias provided the oldest and most mysterious figures. It was a patriarchal society and most statues are male.

This statue is rather rare. It may be a Dutchman on a horse.

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

The post Antique Nias Man on a Horse appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Stone
Style: Bali
Size: Height 13.5 cm, width 9 cm, depth 7 cm
Order Number: ST2

The post Buddha 1 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material:  Stone
Style: Bali
Size: Height 127 cm, Width 42 cm
Order Number: MHSCS2

This is one of a pair: male and female by Wayan Cemul (1927 – 2012), one of Bali’s most famous sculptors. Born in Ubud, he was Murni’s father’s cousin. Cemul produced unique non-conventional primitive statues that were quintessentially Balinese in character and full of comic playfulness in bold expressive style.

Completely dedicated to his craft, original, patient and outstanding in handling difficult students, Wayan Cemul was also known for being an excellent teacher. He did it all without English and with his rudimentary Bahasa Indonesia. He was a master of non-verbal communication.

It was writer John Darling who first encouraged Wayan Cemul (who was working for Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet as a gardener when still a young boy) to create flower pots and garden art in his unique primitive-modern style.

Years later, in the 1990s, John Darling, as well as landscape architect Bill Bensley, further developed Wayan Cemul garden art into decorative walls, fountain decorations, and garden lamps. He was also a favourite of Australian architect Peter Muller (1927 – 2023).

He travelled to Australia for an exhibition of his works at Solander Gallery, Yarralumla, Canberra in April 1983.

Wayan Cemul’s works have decorated private houses as well as luxury resorts in and outside Bali: The Oberoi Bali, Amandari, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran, Murni’s Houses & Spa and more.

20th century.

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

The post Cemul Stonecarving – Female appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material:  Stone
Style: Bali
Size: Height 127 cm, Width 42 cm
Order Number: MHSCS1

This is one of a pair: male and female by Wayan Cemul (1927 – 2012), one of Bali’s most famous sculptors. Born in Ubud, he was Murni’s father’s cousin. Cemul produced unique non-conventional primitive statues that were quintessentially Balinese in character and full of comic playfulness in bold expressive style.

Completely dedicated to his craft, original, patient and outstanding in handling difficult students, Wayan Cemul was also known for being an excellent teacher. He did it all without English and with his rudimentary Bahasa Indonesia. He was a master of non-verbal communication.

It was writer John Darling who first encouraged Wayan Cemul (who was working for Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet as a gardener when still a young boy) to create flower pots and garden art in his unique primitive-modern style.

Years later, in the 1990s, John Darling, as well as landscape architect Bill Bensley, further developed Wayan Cemul garden art into decorative walls, fountain decorations, and garden lamps. He was also a favourite of Australian architect Peter Muller (1927 – 2023).

He travelled to Australia for an exhibition of his works at Solander Gallery, Yarralumla, Canberra in April 1983.

Wayan Cemul’s works have decorated private houses as well as luxury resorts in and outside Bali: The Oberoi Bali, Amandari, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran, Murni’s Houses & Spa and more.

20th century.

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

The post Cemul Stonecarving – Male appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material:  Stone
Style: Bali
Size: Height 55 cm, Width 17 cm
Order Number: MHSCS3

Umbrella stand.

By Wayan Cemul (1927 – 2012), one of Bali’s most famous sculptors. Born in Ubud, he was Murni’s father’s cousin. Cemul produced unique non-conventional primitive statues that were quintessentially Balinese in character and full of comic playfulness in bold expressive style.

Completely dedicated to his craft, original, patient and outstanding in handling difficult students, Wayan Cemul was also known for being an excellent teacher. He did it all without English and with his rudimentary Bahasa Indonesia. He was a master of non-verbal communication.

It was writer John Darling who first encouraged Wayan Cemul (who was working for Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet as a gardener when still a young boy) to create flower pots and garden art in his unique primitive-modern style.

Years later, in the 1990s, John Darling, as well as landscape architect Bill Bensley, further developed Wayan Cemul garden art into decorative walls, fountain decorations, and garden lamps. He was also a favourite of Australian architect Peter Muller (1927 – 2023).

He travelled to Australia for an exhibition of his works at Solander Gallery, Yarralumla, Canberra in April 1983.

Wayan Cemul’s works have decorated private houses as well as luxury resorts in and outside Bali: The Oberoi Bali, Amandari, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran, Murni’s Houses & Spa and more.

20th century.

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

The post Cemul Stonecarving 3 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material:  Stone
Style: Bali
Size: Height 70 cm, Width 43  cm
Order Number: MHSCS4

Umbrella stand.

By Wayan Cemul (1927 – 2012), one of Bali’s most famous sculptors. Born in Ubud, he was Murni’s father’s cousin. Cemul produced unique non-conventional primitive statues that were quintessentially Balinese in character and full of comic playfulness in bold expressive style.

Completely dedicated to his craft, original, patient and outstanding in handling difficult students, Wayan Cemul was also known for being an excellent teacher. He did it all without English and with his rudimentary Bahasa Indonesia. He was a master of non-verbal communication.

It was writer John Darling who first encouraged Wayan Cemul (who was working for Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet as a gardener when still a young boy) to create flower pots and garden art in his unique primitive-modern style.

Years later, in the 1990s, John Darling, as well as landscape architect Bill Bensley, further developed Wayan Cemul garden art into decorative walls, fountain decorations, and garden lamps. He was also a favourite of Australian architect Peter Muller (1927 – 2023).

He travelled to Australia for an exhibition of his works at Solander Gallery, Yarralumla, Canberra in April 1983.

Wayan Cemul’s works have decorated private houses as well as luxury resorts in and outside Bali: The Oberoi Bali, Amandari, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran, Murni’s Houses & Spa and more.

20th century.

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

The post Cemul Stonecarving 4 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material:  Stone
Style: Bali
Order Number: MHSCS5

A number of stonecarvings produced in Cemul’s studio which he supervised and helped carve.

Wayan Cemul (1927 – 2012), one of Bali’s most famous sculptors. Born in Ubud, he was Murni’s father’s cousin. Cemul produced unique non-conventional primitive statues that were quintessentially Balinese in character and full of comic playfulness in bold expressive style.

Completely dedicated to his craft, original, patient and outstanding in handling difficult students, Wayan Cemul was also known for being an excellent teacher. He did it all without English and with his rudimentary Bahasa Indonesia. He was a master of non-verbal communication.

It was writer John Darling who first encouraged Wayan Cemul (who was working for Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet as a gardener when still a young boy) to create flower pots and garden art in his unique primitive-modern style.

Years later, in the 1990s, John Darling, as well as landscape architect Bill Bensley, further developed Wayan Cemul garden art into decorative walls, fountain decorations, and garden lamps. He was also a favourite of Australian architect Peter Muller (1927 – 2023).

He travelled to Australia for an exhibition of his works at Solander Gallery, Yarralumla, Canberra in April 1983.

Wayan Cemul’s works have decorated private houses as well as luxury resorts in and outside Bali: The Oberoi Bali, Amandari, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran, Murni’s Houses & Spa and more.

20th century.

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

The post Cemul Studio Stonecarvings 5 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material:  Stone
Style: Bali
Order Number: MHSCS6

A number of stonecarvings produced in Cemul’s studio which he supervised and helped carve.

Wayan Cemul (1927 – 2012), one of Bali’s most famous sculptors. Born in Ubud, he was Murni’s father’s cousin. Cemul produced unique non-conventional primitive statues that were quintessentially Balinese in character and full of comic playfulness in bold expressive style.

Completely dedicated to his craft, original, patient and outstanding in handling difficult students, Wayan Cemul was also known for being an excellent teacher. He did it all without English and with his rudimentary Bahasa Indonesia. He was a master of non-verbal communication.

It was writer John Darling who first encouraged Wayan Cemul (who was working for Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet as a gardener when still a young boy) to create flower pots and garden art in his unique primitive-modern style.

Years later, in the 1990s, John Darling, as well as landscape architect Bill Bensley, further developed Wayan Cemul garden art into decorative walls, fountain decorations, and garden lamps. He was also a favourite of Australian architect Peter Muller (1927 – 2023).

He travelled to Australia for an exhibition of his works at Solander Gallery, Yarralumla, Canberra in April 1983.

Wayan Cemul’s works have decorated private houses as well as luxury resorts in and outside Bali: The Oberoi Bali, Amandari, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran, Murni’s Houses & Spa and more.

20th century.

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

The post Cemul Studio Stonecarvings 6 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material:  Stone
Style: Bali
Order Number: MHSCS7

A number of stonecarvings produced in Cemul’s studio which he supervised and helped carve.

Wayan Cemul (1927 – 2012), one of Bali’s most famous sculptors. Born in Ubud, he was Murni’s father’s cousin. Cemul produced unique non-conventional primitive statues that were quintessentially Balinese in character and full of comic playfulness in bold expressive style.

Completely dedicated to his craft, original, patient and outstanding in handling difficult students, Wayan Cemul was also known for being an excellent teacher. He did it all without English and with his rudimentary Bahasa Indonesia. He was a master of non-verbal communication.

It was writer John Darling who first encouraged Wayan Cemul (who was working for Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet as a gardener when still a young boy) to create flower pots and garden art in his unique primitive-modern style.

Years later, in the 1990s, John Darling, as well as landscape architect Bill Bensley, further developed Wayan Cemul garden art into decorative walls, fountain decorations, and garden lamps. He was also a favourite of Australian architect Peter Muller (1927 – 2023).

He travelled to Australia for an exhibition of his works at Solander Gallery, Yarralumla, Canberra in April 1983.

Wayan Cemul’s works have decorated private houses as well as luxury resorts in and outside Bali: The Oberoi Bali, Amandari, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran, Murni’s Houses & Spa and more.

20th century.

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

The post Cemul Studio Stonecarvings 7 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Limestone
Style: Bali
Size: Height 30 cm, Width 15 cm, Depth 13 cm
Order Number: GAN6

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

The post Stone Ganesha 2 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Limestone
Style: Bali
Size: Height 36.5 cm, Width 15 cm, Depth 15 cm
Order Number: GAN8

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

The post Stone Ganesha 3 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.