Hand-Carved Backstrap Loom with Tribal Engravings from Timor Island, Indonesia

Hand-carved from Wood this is a wonderful example of a Backstrap Loom, an essential component of Ikat textile weaving. The present Backsrap Loom comes from the Island of Madura, off the northeastern coast of Java. The Curved section would fit around the weavers back not only providing support while they would we weave elaborate Ikat textiles but also allowing her to control the tension of the warp during weaving. In many cases husbands would craft unique carved and designed Backstrap looms for their wives and these would often be passed down through generations. The present Backstrap Loom features floral engravings.

A tribal door from a Lopo Round hut from tribes people on the island of Timor, Indonesia. A Lopo house is a communal hut where the tribe convenes with a second story used to store gr...

These are early 20th century carved panels from Timor Island, they have been hand carved and feature a mix of human and animal figures. They also feature ceremonial tribal designs on...

This hand-carved tray comes from the Nias, Mentawai Islands off the west coast, Sumatra, Indonesia. It is hand-carved from a single block of wood. Trays such as these were used to di...

This Ikat textile originates from the Island of Timor, Indonesia. It is hand-woven using naturally dyed yarns via a method passed on through generations. It features a predominantly ...

This Ikat textile originates from the Island of Timor, Indonesia. It is hand-woven using naturally dyed yarns via a method passed on through generations. The dark blue foreground bri...

A large antique hand carved tribal carving from the Batak People, northern Sumatra, called a Singa Singa with traces of green and yellow polychromy and nicely weathered appearance. A...

Originally collected in the Solomon Islands in 1938, this one of a kind treasure from the south pacific comes from a private oceanic collection. This is a Solomon Islands Santa Cruz hand carved figure called a Duka, circa 1930s. It was carved in an extremely hard native wood and features a finely carved, unusual extended conical head, a handwoven loin cloth and turmeric encrustation. For your convenience, many of our photographs were taken in natural day light which accurately illuminate surface areas depicting original dark patina that you would expect from an important early carving such as this one. We will include a complimentary custom wood display base that you see photographed. Dimensions: 21.25 inches high Provenance: collected in l938 and originally acquired by a visiting French collecting tourist in the Solomon Islands then to dealer and Texas collector and to our private collection in year 2000 so could have been a specially crafted fine 1930s tourist sculpture piece for the visiting French tourist. History: Duka sculpture from Nendo Island, politically part of the Solomon Islands, is distinctive, and only a limited number of works have been documented. The conical extension at the back of the head represents a man's hairstyle. Called abe, its construction and shape was a symbol of wealth and high social status, and for older men, it also served the practical purpose of covering bald spots. All Nendo figure refer to deities or supernatural beings (Ellis: 2009, pp. 78-85) Auction sale: Bonhams Auctions April 28, 2015 sale. Exceptional Lime Container...

Timor Island sculpted wooden traditional mask (circa 1970s) on contemporary metal stand. This is a traditional mask of a figure with male facial features and two holes as eyes and another for the mouth with a handle below the face. The island of Timor gave rise to a distinctive practice of creating traditional masks whose precise origins and significance remain uncertain. Portraying both male and female ancestors, they were held by men during dances and other ceremonies, including celebrations of victory in war. Carved sculptures and masks are specific to rural villages. Here the practice of animism, or nature-worship, is incorporated with the carving of ancestral statues and masks, which have a ritualistic function. Some occasions that call for these ceremonies may include asking for successful crop planting, for prosperity, for good weather...

Carved buffalo horn tattoo ink pot from Timor Island, Indonesia (circa 1940s-1950s) on a modern stand. The carving on this piece is very skillfully detailed at a level well surpassing most pieces from the region. A monkey grasps the ink pot as if it were climbing a tree trunk. On the forepart of the pot an ancestral or ritual mask...

A large antique hand carved tribal 19th century sculpture from the Batak People, northern Sumatra, called a Singa Singa with painted accents. Attracting our eye with its charismatic presence, this large hand carved shield from the Indonesian island of Sumatra is one of the most iconic images of the Batak tradition. Called a Singa Singa, it was placed in the exterior corners of the traditional houses adorned with boat-shaped roofs, to disperse fear. Presenting a high forehead and angular traits, this Singa Singa sculpture is accented with faint traces of black for the eyes and a nicely distressed patina revealing its life spent outdoors. The back is flat with a small hole. Perfect to decorate any wall or perhaps to be mounted on a base depending on your needs, its riveting presence and delicate scrolling décor will make this Batak Singa...

An antique hand carved tribal 19th century sculpture from the Batak People, northern Sumatra, called a Singa Singa. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Batak People with this antique hand carved tribal 19th century sculpture from northern Sumatra, known as a Singa Singa. This work of art showcases the intricate craftsmanship and unique artistic traditions of the Batak People, making it a captivating addition to any collection. Originating from the Batak People of northern Sumatra, this 19th century Singa Singa sculpture is a testament to the region's artistic prowess. Hand carved, the sculpture features a striking design that captures the essence of the mythical Singa Singa creature, a symbol of protection and strength in Batak culture. Crafted from solid wood, this antique Singa Singa sculpture boasts a beautifully aged patina that highlights the carvings and adds a sense of depth and history to the piece. The masterful artistry and skillful execution of the design make it a captivating and rare example of Batak tribal art. Display this magnificent 19th century Batak Singa...