Lot: 95

86th Tribal Art Auction

Buffalo head door

Indonesia - Sulawesi, Toraja

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
German Private Collection, Heidelberg H: 32.3 inch;
B: 21.3 inch
This object is not available anymore.

wood, greyish brown patina, massive wooden plank, carved with a buffalo head, slightly dam., abrasion of paint;
the water buffalo symbolizes virility and suggests wealth and status for the Toraja. More or less stylized the motif is universally employed and appears on the houses of the living as well as the dead. The Toraja place the remains of the deceased in small caves in the rock which are sealed by hardwood doors like the present one.