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Lot Essay
On distingue, au sein de la statuaire provenant du Nord de l’île de Nias, au large de Sumatra, les figures siraha salawa, dont la sculpture de la collection Michel Périnet est un remarquable exemplaire. Oeuvre d’un véritable maître sculpteur, elle témoigne d’une sensibilité et d’un talent exceptionnels. Ces figures sont d'importantes effigies d’ancêtres. Leur statut de portrait, représentant un membre du lignage, un ancêtre éloigné ou un fondateur de clan, est reconnaissable par leur ornementation, typique des coutumes aristocratiques : une couronne verticale, une bande parsemée de pointes coniques, un collier et le port d'une seule boucle d’oreille. Leur présence est attestée dans la plupart des maisons : placées sur des piédestaux, leur rôle était de protéger la fortune nobiliaire.
Cf. une statue très similaire, acquise avant 1890, actuellement dans la collection du Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam, inv. n° A3701-C.
Siraha salawa figures are a distinctive type of statue from the north of the island of Nias, off the coast of Sumatra. The sculpture from the Michel Périnet collection is a remarkable example. The work of a true master sculptor, it demonstrates an exceptional sensibility and talent. Such figures are important effigies of ancestors. Their status as portraits - meaning that each one represents a specific member of the lineage, distant ancestor or clan founder - is recognisable by their ornamentation, typical of aristocratic dress: a vertical crown, a band peppered with cone‑shaped spikes, a necklace, and a single earring. This type of figure was present in most houses: placed on pedestals, their role was to protect the nobiliary fortune.
Cf. A very similar statue purchased before 1890, currently kept in the Tropenmuseum collection of Amsterdam, inv. no. A3701-C.
Cf. une statue très similaire, acquise avant 1890, actuellement dans la collection du Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam, inv. n° A3701-C.
Siraha salawa figures are a distinctive type of statue from the north of the island of Nias, off the coast of Sumatra. The sculpture from the Michel Périnet collection is a remarkable example. The work of a true master sculptor, it demonstrates an exceptional sensibility and talent. Such figures are important effigies of ancestors. Their status as portraits - meaning that each one represents a specific member of the lineage, distant ancestor or clan founder - is recognisable by their ornamentation, typical of aristocratic dress: a vertical crown, a band peppered with cone‑shaped spikes, a necklace, and a single earring. This type of figure was present in most houses: placed on pedestals, their role was to protect the nobiliary fortune.
Cf. A very similar statue purchased before 1890, currently kept in the Tropenmuseum collection of Amsterdam, inv. no. A3701-C.