A Pair of Batak Seated Guardian or Ancestor Figures
29 x 13 x 7 cm (11.5 x 5 x 3 inches)

A superb pair of old Batak male and female seated guardian or ancestor figures from Sumatra.  They have wonderfully stylized skeletal bodies and large heads inset with bone eyes, and long pony tails suggestive of Chinese influence.  The figures are beautifully carved in a polished hardwood, probably mahogany, and are virtually identical apart from the breasts and genitals.

These figures have fantastic profiles, but their stylized form looks great from any angle and they display very well as a pair.   Both figures are in excellent condition (without cracks or splits) and they have the deep warm colour and patina of age.

They were purchased in central Sumatra from an antiques dealer in 1988 since when they have been in our private collection and displayed at home until recently.

Note: A very similar but larger (67.5 cm tall) and cruder pair of Batak figures, quite possibly by the same carver and listed as from an old Melbourne Estate circa 1920, were sold on eBay last year for $25,000 (about £15,575). The eBay listing and sale price, and a YouTube video, have both now been removed, but a Google search for ‘Superb rare Batak stylized guardian figures’ will bring up the original web photo and description.

Offers are Invited for the Pair