Lot: 176

99th Auction

Ancestor figure "adu zatua"

Indonesia - Nias

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
Herbert Hamak, Hammelburg, Germany H: 12.4 inch 1000 EUR
plus 27 % commission, VAT, transport and insurance

wood, base

This figure wears a palm leaf crown and long earrings "sialu", as they were typically worn by women.

The figures served as homes for the spirits of deceased ancestors and were common throughout Nias. They served as a medium to contact the ancestors. They were revered and received offerings.