A funerary effigy figure from the Toraja people of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Cultural sensitivities inherent to the Toraja communities assure that only rarely do genuine tau tau figures leave the Sulawesi burial caves and find their way into the finer collections of tribal art in the West. In addition, tradition demands that such powerful and significant carvings be cut in half if they are allowed off the island. This older male figure is unique in itself, as 6' tau tau are rare in any instance. In addition, this figure escaped the saw and is entire. The chest and hips display intricate tattoo patterns that express the design motifs of the Toraja, and the eyes of inlaid shell give an alert, rather than eerie, demeanor to this guardian effigy. Each arm is carved in two sections, an upper and a lower, and all parts are joined with wooden pegs. There is a little evidence of rot and prior worm damage, consistent with the environment where the tau tau are made and displayed. Overall, this carving remains sound, with no deep, structural damage or decay. This tau-tau stands about 6' tall.

Price:$3,000.00
Quantity: 1
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