SUMATRAN CEREMONIAL HAND CARVED WATER BUFFALO HORN. ETHNIC CULTURAL COLLECTIBLE.

Description

Rare Antique Sumatran
Male Chieftain Ceremonial Hand Carved Buffalo Horn Implement Fertility/ Prosperity Blessing
This rare, impressive, antique, artisan made, hand carved water buffalo horn has the image of a clan chief carved on the handle. These ritual implements would be used by clan priests as a spiritual plea to their ancestors to bless their crops, watch over their herds, keep their men strong and healthy and make their women fertile. This antique rice scoop was crafted by one of the 100 tribes that inhabit the Nias Island. Nias people call themselves Ono Niha (children of humans) and their homeland is called Tanö Niha (human land).  Fanömba Adu is the traditional belief of the people of Nias Island. In carrying out its rituals, followers of Fanömba Adu perform Molhe Adu, which is the activity of worshiping ancestral spirits. This rare, unique, museum quality piece measures 8 3/4" tall, 3" wide, and 2" thick. Condition is hard to determine because the item is carved from organic water buffalo horn and is fairly old, but considering these factors I would say the piece has retained an excellent used/ preowned condition, having been kept on display and seldom handled: There IS a rough spot (chip?) on the back of the  figurine, and there are minor spots of cosmetic wear (see pics), but otherwise it really is in excellent condition.