S431 :   Handcarved in the highlands of central West Timor well carved ancestor figure representing all that is quintessentially Timorese. Atoni Meo Warrior bare chested and wearing his bete naik or handwoven ikat blanket. Coloured redwood. C1990

30cm tall x 5cm dia

12" tall x 2" dia

245g / 8.6oz

Timor has a long tradition of carving ancestor or guardian figures for various functions. One is to protect those still earthbound within the family and another is to use as a "photograph" to tell stories of the person to descendants. Fetish and fertility statues have their place in the society and are used by the Dukun or village Shaman to bring about auspicious circumstances for women and crops. Totem poles and offering platforms are still be be found dotted throughout the kampongs in the highlands.

Still carved today using little more than a machete and a penknife by those who continue the carving tradition.

You are welcome to combine items. Who knows when we will be able to travel there again to obtain such treasures?

International buyers are welcome however; Ebay does not allow for the variables therefore I will contact you to ascertain the best way to get your treasure to you.

Clearly none of us are sure what will happen post COVID, if there is such a thing, but I do know that the villagers, carvers and weavers up in the mountains will be grateful when some outside dollars comes into their informal/circular economy. Therefore every purchase you choose to make with me will benefit the Atoni [people of West Timor] as soon as I can get back there.

I distribute reading glasses and nutritious food seeds as the soil in the western half of Timor is very poor and water a very precious resource. Please contact me if you wish to contribute.

NOTE: Aus Post has been overwhelmed since COVID. Some delays outside of standard recommended times may occur. We use recycled packaging and have to cover ebay's fees as they include postage/freight costs in their final fee [go figure!]