Rock Face Family 4 Hand Carved Stone Fetish Animist Totemic Tribal West Timor

Description

F970 – There are a few specialist carvers amongst the Atoni people of West Timor who like to create these phantasmagorical stone face carvings. Stone effigies such as these are even carried about in pockets or betel nut bags and pay homage to their ancestors.

6cm / 2.3″ tallest

145gr / 5.1oz.

The Atoni people from the highlands of central West Timor place great meaning on stones from nature. Whether found in the stomach of an animal or at the base of a cliff or in a special ritual site these rocks, stones and fossils embody the essence of the Animist roots that still pervade Timorese society today. Representative of ancestors some are also said to give off rainbows when dropped into water. Some are said to spin when placed into large oyster shells and held over sea water. Some are said to sing in response to questions asked. “Its a ROCK. {Bugs life}”.

If you wish to gather multiple treasures, and International buyers are welcome, this website and shop cart should allow for it. If not I will contact you to find the most economical way to send your treasures to you.

International clients are welcome. Aus Post has returned the international 250gr small parcel. This is great news. YAY! A true shame that they have not done so for domestic.

I am Julie and have been collecting Timorese Treasures in the field since 1990 when I won a prize for overseas travel in a pub in Darwin [true]. I had no idea at the time that I had stumbled upon an Aladdin’s cave of authentic traditional tribal textiles and treasures. I have been returning annually ever since [well most years] and been witness to many changes across the last 3 decades.

NOTE: We use recycled packaging

Clearly none of us are sure what will happen post COVID, but I do know that the villagers, carvers and weavers up in the mountains will be grateful when some outside dollars comes into their informal/circular economy. Therefore, every purchase you choose to make with me will benefit the Atoni [people of West Timor] as soon as I can get back there.

I distribute reading glasses and nutritious food seeds as the soil in the western half of Timor is very poor and water a precious resource. Please contact me if you wish to contribute.