Upuinai tavu

  

Upuinai Tavu from Tanimbar

Origin: Tanimbar islands, South West Mollucas, Indonesia.
Material: Wood.

Contact: 0818182628 (HP)
BB:79FA52CA

E-mail: mulia.santoso@gmail.com

The fertility statue 'upuinai' is a deity statue of the earth/moon. Fertility statues are female statues in the form of a "tree of life" and than carved in such a way until it has an anthropomorphic form, where the whole surface is covered by carvings of the symbol of fertility (spiral). The spiral form is undoubtedly the most dominant decorative motive and is found on practically all statues in the region. Both arms stretched to the left and right and the tips of her fingers are flames of fire. Included in this classification are also the fertility carvings. Very fine and beautiful spiral carvings carved on a flat wooden surface.

This item is very rare, even it is very likely that there is only few of this in Indonesia. We only have one with high quality such as this.

Tavu

Tavu from Selaru

Contact: 0818182628 (HP)

E-mail: mulia.santoso@gmail.com

BB: 79FA52CA

This tavu altar is shaped like a human with gracefully extended arms and at the same time it is decorated with abstract spiral motifs. The arms were carved separately and added. Very few examples still exist today and are displayed only in a handful of European museums (example: http://masterpieces.asemus.museum/masterpiece/detail.nhn?objectId=11849).

This domestic altar, which evoked the body of an ancestor, supported one roof beam of the house. The tavu is a domestic altar dedicated to ancestors. It was placed opposite the front door. The wealth and prestigious assets passed down through a family were also included on the tavu. Certain animals may recall the deeds of the dwelling's founders. On a shelf above the altar lay the skulls of venerated ancestors, their first two vertebrae, and often their effigies. The tavu was an integral part of the notion of lineage and sacred power. It was a clear link between past and present, endowed with special spiritual power, a heritage of the "masters of the house". It was here that prayers and sacrifices were offered to encourage fertility in the people and in the harvest; to ensure success in fishing or headhunting expeditions; and to uphold the union between ancestors and their descendants.

Upuinai tavu from Tanimbar island

Upuinai Tavu from Tanimbar

SOLD.

Contact: 0818182628 (HP)

E-mail: mulia.santoso@gmail.com
BB:79FA52CA

The fertility statue "upuinai' is a deity statue of the earth/moon. Fertility statues are female statues in the form of a "tree of life" and than carved in such a way until it has an anthropomorphic form, where the whole surface is covered by carvings of the symbol of fertility. Both arms stretched to the left and right and the tips of her fingers are flames of fire. Included in this classification are also the fertility carvings. Very fine and beautiful spiral carvings carved on a flat wooden surface.