Magnificent Indonesian (Nias) Tribal Panel Start Price USD 1,995.00 Current Price USD 1,995.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, August 31, 2008 End Time Sunday, September 07, 2008 Location Pasadena, CA See more about 'Magnificent Indonesian (Nias) Tribal Panel' Description       Magnificent Indonesian (Nias) Tribal Panel       The Asian Tsunami of December 2004 had countless casualties, among them, the loss of cultural and historical artifacts on many of the islands that it devastated. Among those islands was the Indonesian island of Nias off of the west coast of Sumatra. Nias has long been renowned for megalithic stone altars, traditional local architecture, and a history of magnificent wood carving. Nias is home to the proud Batak culture which practiced headhunting and ritual sacrifice into the early 20th Century.   The interior of houses in Nias were often decorated with exquisitely carved panels that told the history of the family and the village. This fine 3 dimensional panel measures 67”(170.18 cm) high, 23”(58.42cm) and 8”(20.32 cm) deep. It depicts a clan chieftain in a traditional upturned hat sitting on a chest flanked by lontar palm leaves. While I’m unsure of the entire meaning of this panel, other symbols represent fertility and abundance. Please note that the tip of the tongue of the animal above the chieftain is missing. I’m not sure exactly how this specific panels were used, but I personally bought them on the Island of Nias in the mid-1980’s.   As a result of the devestation of the Tsunami, it will become increasingly difficult to obtain genuine artifacts from this celebrated region. Don't miss your opportunity to acquire a true tribal masterpiece.This panel is available for local pick-up or freight shipment only. Clearly the freight cost for this piece will not be inexpensive, however for an item of this size and weight,saavy buyers should expect a freight cost commensurate with the value of the item. If you are an international buyer please email me prior to bidding, Paypal only accepted (NO EXCEPTIONS)   Please see pictures as part of description.   Experienced collectors know, and new  collectors should be aware that truly vintage and/or  antique items will have some type(s) of slight or minor imperfections or marks of character.  These are the time-acquired features that lead collectors to wonder about how the piece must have been used and by whom.  Such marks of use and character give fine pieces their  authenticity, charm, and desirability.   Please understand that most of the items that we sell are either truly vintage or antique, so expect some wear unless we specify mint or similar condition.     Before placing a bid please carefully review photographs and if you have any questions e-mail me before bidding to avoid any potential misunderstanding.   LIVE LIFE FULLY…DON’T BE A WATCHER,… BE A BIDDER!!!   majordomo88 Store Place a Bid!