Ancestor figure from North Nias, Indonesia with local name Siraha Salawa or Siraha Nomo A male ancestor figure is sitting on a small stool with on his head a palm leaf crown. Conical points are carved at the base of the crown. The well known abstract ear ornament in the right ear and a brass bracelets around both arms. All the specific details for this statue are present: moustache and goatee, a phallus and the hands are holding a cup. This type of figure represents long-diseased ancestor chief. Ancestors played an important role in the art and religion of the Ono Niha people of Nias Island. In the past, artists created a variety of ancestor images (adu), which housed the spirits of ancestors and allowed for communication between human and supernatural worlds. There are some light surface cracks and scratches due to the drought but the patina of the old teak wood is telling a store .... seen many throughout the years but this one is really nice, a true collectors item! This item I personally obtained in 1989 in Nias, unique item!!!!!!