Description:

A Fine Old Carved Door Tutu'liang, Toraja People, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, 19th to Early 20th Century,
this old and finely carved door is from the Toraja People from the mountain areas of South Sulawesi Island in Indonesia. Carved in high relief with the head of a water buffalo. Water Buffalo are very important animals for the Toraja people, some ceremonies dozens of large water buffalo are killed and the meet divided between different clans & villages. 

For centuries the Toraja people have buried their elite dead in tombs cut into the face of steep limestone cliffs – "the house from which no smoke rises." The entrances are sealed with almost square wooden doors carved with the image of the head of a water buffalo or, less frequently, a human guardian figure. The surface of the door is decorated with a stylised Water Buffalo head in high relief. The Toraja believed that the ancestors in the tomb bring blessings to the living. This figure served the dual function of ensuring not only that the dead rest in peace but that the living should enjoy peace and long life, too.

Provenance:
Daeng Iskandar Bali Indonesia & The Todd Barlin Collection of Asian Art

  • Dimensions: 86 x 52 cm

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

All lots must be paid for and collected by 4pm AEST Monday 8 November. Unfortunately we cannot arrange shipping from this location, however we can arrange the goods to be removed to our rooms at the buyers expense.

8 August 2022 18:00 AEST
Stanmore, Australia

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
A$0 A$49 A$5
A$50 A$99 A$10
A$100 A$299 A$20
A$300 A$499 A$25
A$500 A$999 A$50
A$1,000 A$1,999 A$100
A$2,000 A$4,999 A$200
A$5,000 A$9,999 A$500
A$10,000 A$19,999 A$1,000
A$20,000 A$49,999 A$2,000
A$50,000 A$99,999 A$5,000
A$100,000 A$199,999 A$10,000
A$200,000 A$499,999 A$20,000
A$500,000 + A$50,000