Late 19th C. Indonesian Sumba Wood Abstract Figure

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, West Nusa Tenggara, Sumba Island (Pulau Sumbawa), ca. late 19th century CE. An intriguing, hand-carved wooden figure of a highly abstract form with a drop-shaped lower body incised with a broad diamond and perforated just above the lower tip. The slender neck tapers gradually to form a pair of almond-shaped eyes above two hook-like hair braids with tips that flare dramatically upwards. Matte brown pigment covers the entire sculpture in a dark layer of color. When viewed in profile, this 'figure' resembles a Janiform elephant head. Size: 3" W x 5.75" H (7.6 cm x 14.6 cm); 6.125" H (15.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Ami Brown collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1970s

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#159589
Condition Report: Minor nicks and abrasions to both faces and peripheries, with light encrustations within some recessed areas, otherwise intact and very good. Nice remains of brown pigment throughout.