Striking Mentawai Tribal Door Panel Sacred Monkey Carving C. 1900

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This striking antique tribal door hails from the remote Mentawai Islands of Indonesia, an archipelago known for its rich animist … Read more This striking antique tribal door hails from the remote Mentawai Islands of Indonesia, an archipelago known for its rich animist traditions and deeply symbolic artistry. Carved from a single slab of weathered tropical hardwood, the door features a prominent relief of a stylized monkey figure — an important creature in Mentawai cosmology, often seen as a spiritual intermediary or symbol of agility and intelligence. The monkey is depicted with elongated limbs and exaggerated features. The carving is minimalist yet expressive, with grooves etched vertically into the background, adding a sense of movement and rhythm to the piece. The face of the monkey, once painted, retains traces of pigment and wear that speak to its age. Doors such as this one were more than functional—they were talismanic, serving to guard the entrance of a uma (traditional Mentawai longhouse) from malevolent spirits while signaling the clan’s identity and connection to the spirit world. A compelling example of indigenous art that bridges the spiritual and the everyday. See less