A Unique 'Toradja' Guardian Figure
Sulawesi, 19th century (with Ciram test), wood, 200 cm high. The 'Toradja' people, of the highlands in central Sulawesi have an aristocracy that is centred around the Tongkonan palaces. They are best known for the wooden human figures called Tautau placed in the cliffs where they watch over both the living and the dead. This monumental figure more than life-size was not a Tautau ancestor but a guardian figure. Only one image is known, before the Dutch changed cultural practices, of a similar house with guardian figures and it probably represents a mythological warrior to protect the wealth of the house. The practice of 'Ma'Baruk' or scarification with hot embers of coal for warriors is an old practice, now mostly forgotten. The exceptionally elaborate details on this figure's torso show a unique pattern that was probably only done by the bravest of warriors.
Provenance:
Francois Coppens, St. Niklaas.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
13.10.2022 - 16:57
- Estimate:
-
EUR 32,000.- to EUR 35,000.-
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 25,000.-
A Unique 'Toradja' Guardian Figure
Sulawesi, 19th century (with Ciram test), wood, 200 cm high. The 'Toradja' people, of the highlands in central Sulawesi have an aristocracy that is centred around the Tongkonan palaces. They are best known for the wooden human figures called Tautau placed in the cliffs where they watch over both the living and the dead. This monumental figure more than life-size was not a Tautau ancestor but a guardian figure. Only one image is known, before the Dutch changed cultural practices, of a similar house with guardian figures and it probably represents a mythological warrior to protect the wealth of the house. The practice of 'Ma'Baruk' or scarification with hot embers of coal for warriors is an old practice, now mostly forgotten. The exceptionally elaborate details on this figure's torso show a unique pattern that was probably only done by the bravest of warriors.
Provenance:
Francois Coppens, St. Niklaas.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Online auction |
| Date: | 13.10.2022 - 16:57 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 06.10. - 13.10. 2022 |