18cm tall x 6cm dia
7" tall x 2.5" dia
340g / 12oz
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.
You are welcome to combine items to
maximise your postage. If you wish to gather multiple treasures try using the
ADD TO CART/BASKET function instead of BUY IT NOW. If that does not work be
patient I will always refund ebay's overcharged postage.
International buyers are welcome. Aus
Post has returned the international 250gr parcel. This is great news as it is
more economical to post small packets internationally now. YAY! A true shame
that they have not done so for domestic.
I am Julie and have been collecting
Timorese Treasures in the field since 1990 when I won a prize for overseas
travel in a pub in Darwin [true]. I had no idea at the time that I had stumbled
upon an Aladdin's cave of authentic traditional tribal textiles and treasures.
I have been returning annually ever since [well most years] and been witness to
many changes across the last 3 decades. Who knows when we will be able to
travel there again to obtain such treasures?
NOTE: We use recycled packaging and
have to cover ebay's fees as they include postage/freight costs in their final
fee [17%] [go figure!]
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 precious resource. Please contact me if you wish to contribute.