Adu zatua ancestor figure
| Description: |
The Nias people live on the small island of Nias just west of the larger island of Sumatra in Indonesia. The Nias believe that their ancestors continue to watch over them and, if treated respectfully, give them guidance in life. Ancestor figures like this one (called adu zatua) were placed in homes and consulted about problems, such as illnesses or disputes. Less wealthy families used simple figures like this one, while wealthy families created much more elaborate carvings. All figures wear a traditional headdress. The ear decoration, worn only by men, on this figure suggests that it represents a male ancestor. This carving was purchased on Nias Island by an American traveler in 1936 in exchange for a pig, the main form of currency on Nias at that time. |
|---|---|
| Source: |
http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/273 |
| Collection: |
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis |
| Rights: | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/; |
| Copyright: |
Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0); |
| Geography: |
Indonesia |
| Subjects: |
Indonesia Indonesia -- Social life and customs Sculpture Indonesia -- Religion Mythology, Indonesian Folklore -- Indonesia Sculpture |
Further information on this record can be found at its source.
This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library.