Seated ancestor statue Leti of Tanimbar - Moluccas - Jac Hoogerbrugge collection

Description

Rare seated ancestor statue from the Leti or Tanimbar Islands (Moluccas), with powerful spiritual radiance and exceptional provenance.

This impressive wooden ancestor statue depicts a seated figure with subdued facial expression and finely crafted details, including earrings and a distinctive hair bundle. The figure holds an offering bowl or attribute in both hands, seated on a throne-shaped base with carved back panel. The weathered, open structure of the wood and the deep, natural patina indicate considerable age and prolonged ritual use.

Origin & meaning
Ancestor statues like this one were manufactured in the southern Moluccas, especially on Leti and Tanimbar, where they played a central role in rituals around protection and ancestor worship. The seated position symbolises dignity and tranquillity, while the raised back refers to status and spiritual power.

The piece was produced by Jac Hoogerbrugge acquired from Fr Akerboom M.S.C., a member of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (Tilburg). Father Akerboom collected tribal art in Indonesia for the benefit of the missionary order. The documentation and sketch are from Hoogerbrugge's own collection archive.

Dimensions & condition
Height approx. 33 cm - width approx. 10 cm - depth approx. 7.8 cm.
Wood with traces of age and natural wear; without recent restorations, stable and in collectible condition.

The collection of Jac Hoogerbrugge (Netherlands, 1930-2020) was built up between the 1960s and 1980s during extensive travels through Africa and Oceania. Hoogerbrugge was known for his accurate field notes and eye for artistic quality. His collection included a wide selection of tribal art with well-documented provenance, several pieces of which are today considered reference objects within Dutch private collections.