Have it delivered hassle-freeBuyer protectionAll Designer items curated by WhoppahDownload the Whoppah App – get alerts & sell with ease.
Have it delivered hassle-free
Authentic Archaic Ancestor Figures – Lesser Sunda Islands (Tribal Art)
€450Bid from €405
Buy with confidence
Shop & pay safely with Buyer ProtectionDesigner items curated by WhoppahWe only pay the seller once you have safely received the itemTrusted payment methods
About this seller
Private sellerDamme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales
Product description
Physical Dimensions & Status
Female: 43 × 12 cm | Male: 43 × 13 cm | Total weight: 1.8 kg
Unique pair — permanently unavailable after sale. This authentic pair of archaic ancestral figures from the Lesser Sunda Islands belongs to the oldest spiritual sculptural traditions of Eastern Indonesia. Originally, these sculptures served as ritual protectors of family and community and played a central role in animistic ancestor worship. With their powerful, stylized forms, ancient patina, and understated appearance, these sculptures represent the pure essence of tribal art. A special ensemble for collectors of ethnography, Asian art, and authentic ritual objects.
✓ Authentic ethnographic object: Traditional pair of ancestral figures from the Lesser Sunda Islands.
✓ Spiritual function: Used in animistic rituals for the protection of family, community, and fertility.
✓ Solid craftsmanship: Hand-carved from solid hardwood using traditional tribal techniques.
✓ Original finish: Traces of a chalky white finish and historical magenta pigments have been preserved.
✓ Authentic patina: Natural wear, erosion, and stable drying cracks consistent with long-term ritual use.
✓ Includes: Official certificate of authenticity from 1stbuddha.
Spiritual Significance
These sculptures represent the ancient animistic belief that deceased ancestors bestow protection, fertility, and prosperity upon the living community. Unlike the refined Loro Blonyo figures from Java, which symbolize marriage and harmony, these figures embody the raw spiritual power of tribal ancestor worship.
Ancestral Protection: The figures served as spiritual anchors in which the protective presence of ancestors was honored during rituals and ceremonies.
Fertility: The emphasized body forms allude to fertility, family continuity, and prosperity for the community.
Archaic Form Language: The protruding chin, upright posture, and simplified anatomy are characteristic of tribal sculpture from Eastern Indonesia.
Historical Authenticity: The austere design emphasizes ritual function over aesthetic refinement, allowing these figures to retain a powerful spiritual presence.
Authenticity & Conservation
The condition reflects a long ritual life and contributes to the historical and ethnographic value of the ensemble.
Solid Hardwood: Both sculptures are traditionally carved from a single piece of hardwood.
Original Pigment Traces: Chalk-white finish with remnants of historical magenta pigments on the chest and lap.
Worn Patina: The surface has an authentic historical skin with natural wear and discoloration.
Stable Aging: Natural drying cracks and slight erosion confirm the age without compromising structural stability.
Honest Collector's Condition: No disturbing modern restorations; the original appearance has been preserved.
Specifications
Object: Pair of archaic ancestral figures
Region: Lesser Sunda Islands, Eastern Indonesia (possibly Leti or Timor)
Tradition: Animistic ancestor worship
Material: Solid hardwood
Finish: Chalk-white finish with remnants of magenta pigment
Style: Tribal ethnography
Female figure: 43 × 12 cm
Male figure: 43 × 13 cm
Total weight: 1.8 kg
Condition: Authentic collector's condition with natural patina, erosion, and stable signs of age.
Additional details:
- Brand: 1stbuddha
- Style: Tribale Kunst
- Style: Archaïsch
- Material: Hardhout
- Colour: Magenta
- Period: Eeuwenoud
- availability: in_stock
- product_type: Beeld / sculptuur
Specifications
CategorySculptureConditionVery goodColorsWhiteSeller locationDamme, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup
Discover more
Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerDamme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales