Moluccas, Leti Islands, ancestress figure, in... Lot 5601

Moluccas, Leti Islands, ancestress figure, in squatting position, holding a bowl between her hands (now missing). h. 39 cm. Female ancestor figures of this size from the Leti Archipelago are less common than their male counterparts. A common feature of the Leti-style figures is the prominence given to the head and usually takes up one third of the image. In the flat face a prominent pointed triangular nose overshadows the crescent-shaped mouth. Arms and legs flank the waisted torso. Bulbous calves enclose the female sex and symbolise strength and fertility. Brought to the outside the statue would once again radiate strength by means of the inlaid white shell eyes. Collected by Piet Costerus en Anneke Costerus Brada, before 1930. [1]