MEASUREMENTS:   19" (cm 49 incl. stand)

This wooden statue originates from Central Nias and represents a male ancestor in a standing position. Notably distinct, the statue lacks arms but prominently features an erect penis, symbolizing vitality and potency. What sets it apart further is the presence of a single earring, circular with concentric rings, adorning the right ear.

Characterized by its unique facial features, the statue boasts large, protruding eyes, a pointed nose, a mouth devoid of lips, and a stern and solemn expression. Remarkably, it exhibits a depiction of the chest with prominent nipples, while the absence of hair leaves the figure bald.

This statue, believed to date back to around the 1950s or possibly earlier, is an intriguing piece of Nias art and culture. It is presented along with a wooden stand on which it is securely mounted.

In Central Nias, statues like these held great importance in rituals and ceremonies, often serving as representations of revered ancestors. They were believed to embody the spirits of these ancestors and played a central role in various cultural practices, from fertility rituals to initiation ceremonies, reflecting the profound spiritual and social significance of such art within the Nias community.