Ancestor figure

A wide variety of three-dimensional human figures or gana-gana, were produced by the Batak sculptor. These included debata idup, literally ‘living ancestors’, which represent departed relatives and sometimes came in male and female pairs. Debata idup figures were representations of ancestors and would have been prominently displayed in major life ceremonies in order that the ancestors could witness the happenings of the household. When not being used they were carefully stored in the rafters of the house, an area that is considered sacred by most traditional Southeast Asian communities.

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Ancestor figure

Ancestor figure

Female ancestor figure

Head of an ancestor figure