Nias Male Ancestor Figure "Adu Zatua" Ancestors
Origin: Nias, Indonesia
Period: 19th Century
Material: Wood
Size: 44.5cm
Description:
Played a central role in the art and religion of the Ono Niha people of Nias Island. In the past, artists created a variety of ancestor images (adu), which housed the spirits of the ancestors and allowed communication between the human and supernatural worlds. Although all households had ancestor figures, larger, more refined ancestor images were restricted to the aristocracy and represented remote and illustrious ancestors, often the founders of noble families.
ID-AN-094
Origin: Nias, Indonesia
Period: 19th Century
Material: Wood
Size: 44.5cm
Description:
Played a central role in the art and religion of the Ono Niha people of Nias Island. In the past, artists created a variety of ancestor images (adu), which housed the spirits of the ancestors and allowed communication between the human and supernatural worlds. Although all households had ancestor figures, larger, more refined ancestor images were restricted to the aristocracy and represented remote and illustrious ancestors, often the founders of noble families.
ID-AN-094