SOLD

Dimensions: 83 cm and 113 cm // 32.6 inches and 44.5 inches

This is a captivating pair of ancestral figure posts collected in Timor, near the border with Timor Leste. They worked as guardian spirits of a chief's house, where they were prominently placed at the entrance. This function of the statues at house entrances is a common practice in East Nusa Tenggara, and particularly within the tribal culture of Timor Leste.

These statues exhibit a fantastic design, characterized by a stylized yet harmonious appearance. The female figure features a disproportionately slender torso with pointed breasts, a large head, and a billowing sarong. In contrast, the male figure is gracefully elongated, seated in a crouched position, yet almost appearing to stand, with an extremely slim torso and slender arms resting on his knees. The wood's light coloration and the rough patina, acquired through age and exposure to the elements, add to the statues' character.

These extraordinary pieces are of museum quality, representing the rich cultural heritage of Timor Leste. They not only serve as decorative elements but also as powerful symbols of tradition, spirituality, and the importance of safeguarding the household in Belu culture.