A MONUMENTAL CARVED TIMOR NOBLE HOUSE PANEL

Origin: Indonesia, Timor, Belu Region, Tetum People   (Provenance: Obtained from a private Chicago Collection, Ex. Steven G. Alpert 1977/78, Ex. Goh Tjin Liong Collection)

Period/Date: First half of the 20th century

Materials: Extremely dense heavy ironwood, Shell

Description:  Large vertical structural house panels like this are extremely rare!  Most of the great decorated noble houses either disappeared as Christianity took hold or were destroyed during Portuguese Timor's brutal war for independence.  Only a handful of them survived, this being one of them.  It features two prominent ancestor figures with avian motifs while the base is flanked by a whimsical horse with side-mounted rider.  The depth of the relief-carving is impressive measuring 7cm in some areas!  The base of the panel has a classic tenon joint which originally fit into a mortise hole.  It is in excellent condition with no mends or restoration.  It is presented on a custom round metal base.  Note:  The panel weighs approximately 80-90 lbs and the base is another 25lbs.  I will ship anywhere but a physical pickup at our gallery is recommended.

Cf. Motivos Artist Timorenses E.A. Sua Intergracao, pages 88-89

Dimensions:   Height 87.5"  (222 cm), Width 14.25"  (36 cm), Depth 4" (10 cm)

Price:   Upon Request   Email for shipping quote