Flores, Indonesia
Nage people
Circa 1900
Wood with dark patina
Height 9 3/4 in (24.8 cm)
Provenance: Anna and Christopher Thorpe, Sydney; private German collection
Among the Nage people of central Flores, carved ancestor figures served as vessels for the spirits of the deceased, maintained within the household as protective presences that mediated between the living and ancestral realms. The standing posture with arms at the sides and clearly articulated facial features reflects the Nage carving tradition, in which the human form is rendered with direct simplicity rather than decorative elaboration. Such figures were placed within the family house and received offerings during ritual events marking agricultural cycles, illness, and significant life transitions.
The figure retains a deep, even dark patina consistent with sustained ritual use and handling over an extended period. The compact scale, strong vertical stance, and defined head and torso proportions are characteristic of Flores ancestor figures from the turn of the 20th century. Its provenance from Anna and Christopher Thorpe of Sydney and a prior private German collection places it within the established European and Australian market for Indonesian tribal material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Flores, Indonesia
Nage people
Circa 1900
Wood with dark patina
Height 9 3/4 in (24.8 cm)
Provenance: Anna and Christopher Thorpe, Sydney; private German collection
Among the Nage people of central Flores, carved ancestor figures served as vessels for the spirits of the deceased, maintained within the household as protective presences that mediated between the living and ancestral realms. The standing posture with arms at the sides and clearly articulated facial features reflects the Nage carving tradition, in which the human form is rendered with direct simplicity rather than decorative elaboration. Such figures were placed within the family house and received offerings during ritual events marking agricultural cycles, illness, and significant life transitions.
The figure retains a deep, even dark patina consistent with sustained ritual use and handling over an extended period. The compact scale, strong vertical stance, and defined head and torso proportions are characteristic of Flores ancestor figures from the turn of the 20th century. Its provenance from Anna and Christopher Thorpe of Sydney and a prior private German collection places it within the established European and Australian market for Indonesian tribal material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
