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Lot #9055 - A Fine Old Carved Door Tutu'liang, Toraja People, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, 19th to Early 20th Century

  • Auction House:
    Theodore Bruce
  • Sale Name:
    Timed Online Auction | The Todd Barlin Collection of Oceanic and Asian Art | Day I
  • Sale Date:
    08 Aug 2022 ~ 6pm (AEST)
  • Lot #:
    9055
  • Lot Description:
    A Fine Old Carved Door Tutu'liang, Toraja People, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, 19th to Early 20th Century
    This old and finely carved door is from the Toraja People from the mountain areas of South Sulawesi Island in Indonesia. Carved in high relief with the head of a water buffalo. Water Buffalo are very important animals for the Toraja people, some ceremonies dozens of large water buffalo are killed and the meet divided between different clans & villages.
    86 x 52 cm
  • Provenance:
    Daeng Iskandar Bali Indonesia & The Todd Barlin Collection of Asian Art
  • Notes:
    For centuries the Toraja people have buried their elite dead in tombs cut into the face of steep limestone cliffs - 'the house from which no smoke rises.' The entrances are sealed with almost square wooden doors carved with the image of the head of a water buffalo or, less frequently, a human guardian figure. The surface of the door is decorated with a stylised Water Buffalo head in high relief. The Toraja believed that the ancestors in the tomb bring blessings to the living. This figure served the dual function of ensuring not only that the dead rest in peace but that the living should enjoy peace and long life, too.
  • Estimate:
    A$400 - 600
  • Realised Price:
    $0.00
  • Category:
    Tribal

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.



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