Male Ancestor Figure

CultureNias peoples
Titles
  • Male Ancestor Figure
Date19th–20th century
PlaceIndonesia
MediumWood
Dimensions26 3/4 × 5 3/4 × 8 1/4 in. (67.9 × 14.6 × 21 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by Alfred C. Glassell, Jr.
Object number2008.202
Current Location
The Caroline Wiess Law Building
206M Arnold Gallery
Exposé

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Object Type
Description

For the people of Nias, ancestors played a vital role in daily life. Ancestors created the world and affected the fertility and fortune of the living. This refined ancestor figure, in a seated position and grasping a cup with both hands, is from North Nias. The adornments are markers of nobility. 


 Nias is a small island of Indonesia. As in many cultures of Indonesia, gold was a symbol of wealth and high status. Religious ceremonies were held to consecrate gold objects, bestowing titles and status upon the owner. The more gold objects commissioned, the greater the owner's status. Unique among Indonesian societies, the people of Nias melted their old jewelry to make new. This tradition symbolized the cycle of death and rebirth.


 Gold versions of his crown and earring were commissioned to be worn at major feasts. The necklace of polished coconut disks identifies this figure as a warrior. The mustache and beard represent gold ornaments that clean-shaven nobles wore at special ceremonies. These sculptures, called siraha salawa, represent the founding ancestors of important lineages. Each noble household had only one sculpture of this kind, attached to a prominent post in the largest room in the house. The figure served as the supernatural protector of the home.


 


ProvenanceRalph C. Altman (1909-1967), Los Angeles; by inheritance to his wife, Patricia B. Altman, Los Angeles, 1967; [Sotheby's, New York, May 16, 2008, lot 32][1]; purchased by MFAH, 2008.

[1]Sotheby's Catalogue, May 16, 2008.
Exhibition HistoryLos Angeles, The Ethnic Art Galleries, UCLA, Ralph C. Altman Memorial Exhibition, April 8 - June 30, 1968

"The Eloquent Dead: Ancestral Sculpture of Indonesia and Southeast Asia," Frederick S. Wight Art Gallery, UCLA, October 8 - November 24, 1985.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Ralph C. Altman label on the underside: "l.R.O.Altman" and "G." on the back of the crown

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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Male Ancestor Figure
1800–1899
Wood
2011.516
front of object
1100–1450 AD
Wood inlaid with mother of pearl and spondylus shell
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front of object
1100–1450 AD
Wood inlaid with mother of pearl and spondylus shell
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1900–1950
Wood, beads
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Standing Male Figure
1900–1980
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Seated Male Figure
1900–1930
Wood and gold paint
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Standing Male Figure
1900–1950
Wood and gold leaf
97.835
Female Ancestor Figure (mukuyu, nkisi, or teki)
1930–1970
Wood, ivory, and traces of tukula
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Ornament with Two Male Figures Facing Away from Each Other
1100–1450 AD
Bone, shell, string
2010.1091
Male Figure
1900–1910
Gold plated brass
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18th Century or earlier
Gold, bronze, and pigment
2004.2404