Southeast Asia, Indonesia, North Sumatra Province, Nias Islands, ca. early 20th century CE. An impressive hand-carved wooden male ancestral figure known as "Adu Zatua." Exhibiting a rigid form, the intriguing figure is depicted squatting atop a discoid plinth as a phytomorphic, tripartite headdress incised with decorative striations towers above his bald head. He holds two cylindrical objects featuring upside-down anthropomorphic faces on his knees, as his arms are bent at the elbows. A thick necklace hangs from his square shoulders, just above his incised nipples and erect phallus. Flanked by two sizable ears, the figure's square visage displays slender eyes beneath an arched brow, a wide nose with flared nostrils above a rectangular moustache, a minimalistic mouth, and a trapezoidal beard. His right ear is also adorned by a lengthy, drooping earring. Size: 3.75" W x 13.5" H (9.5 cm x 34.3 cm)Ancestors played a vital role in the daily lives of the peoples of Nias; ancestors were thought to be responsible for the creation of the world, to ensure fertility and wealth, and prevent disasters. When an individual passed away, a wooden image like this example, known as an Adu Zatua (also Adu Zafua), was created to house the deceased's spirit and mediate between the world of the living and the world of the deities. Offerings were made to adu zatua in order to ensure the figure's constant support and benevolence. Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Dr. Gallagher collection, Sydney, Australia, acquired 1960 to 2000 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #162978