Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Timor Island, Tetum, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A stunning hand-carved wood female figure of sizeable form known as an aitos or offering post and likely representing an ancestor. The fascinating female is shown standing or crouching with her arms bent and her large hands resting below her bulbous breasts. A hemispherical headdress or coiffure sits atop her elongated head, as she gazes forwards from generously lidded, almond-shaped eyes above a triangular nose, and protruding lips. Her large, heavy brow is flanked by a pair of petite ears. The impressive figure is heavily adorned with several layers of collared necklaces, as well as a series of mesmerizing geometric designs of spiraling circles, triangles, and squares on the lower portion of her body and her back. This remarkable example likely served as an altar or ancestor figure. Size: 8.5" L x 8" W x 63.5" H (21.6 cm x 20.3 cm x 161.3 cm); 64.75" H (164.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Johnson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA
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#163555
Condition
Stable fissures with some loss to wood. Chips, nicks, and abrasions, as shown. Otherwise, excellent with nicely preserved detail.