A Fine Old Amulet Figure West Nepal late 19th – Early 20th Century

A Fine Old Amulet Figure West Nepal late 19th – Early 20th Century

This sweet little carved wood figure of a male ancestor was used as a personal amulet by the people of Western Nepal.  When you pick this little figure up in your hands you instantly see that this has been cared for and handled for a very long time.  The figure shows its hands held to its stomach or perhaps is holding his penis.  The figure has a  deep reddish-black patina from long use.

Ancestor worship and personal home shrines are common in the remote areas of Western Nepal, it is only in recent years that many artworks from this part of Nepal have been shown around the world. The heavily eroded ancestor figures that guard bridges are the better know artworks from this area.

This small sculpture has given me a lot of enjoyment just having it around to pick up and admire. I never get tired of looking at it.  Now is the time to let this fine little figure go to a new home where hopefully it will be greatly enjoyed for many years.

Provenance: The Todd Barlin Collection of Oceanic and Asian Art