Small sculpted wood statuettes such as this one are called Itara. They represent the lineage ancestors. These Itara are hung in clusters from posts called 'ruma-tara' with other ancestral relics and sacred objects. Blood rituals are centered on the 'ruma-tara' and these ancestral figures. Also suspended from this sacred object, which represents a totemic guardian ancestor, are sacrificial offerings destined to bring rain and insure a favorable harvest.
Atauro material is scarce and very rare to the market.
This piece is an exceptional example. It was truly a fortunate discovery. It came from an old American collection. It has the elongated head and long nose that mark it of Atauro origin. This piece has an original dark encrusted patina, and though made quite early in the 20th century, has the feel of some contemporary western work. .