Art of the Ancestors

Indonesian tribal art is among the most intriguing and varied in the world. There are as many styles and expressions as there are ethnic and cultural groups. Each of these groups produces unique objects of great interest and beauty that are used in rituals and ceremonies that have been performed for millennia. This book presents two collections of sculptures from three of the most vibrant art traditions of the Indonesian archipelago. The people of Nias, the Batak of Sumatra and the Dayak of Borneo have been thoroughly studied for more than a century by explorers and anthropologists who have all commented on the aesthetically distinctive ancestor figures that play an integral part in tribal life. Here, some of the finest surviving examples have been brought together to showcase the artistic virtues of these peoples. Four essays provide a brief introduction to the cultures whose art is represented and discuss their use and meaning in ritual and everyday life.