Southeast Asia, Philippines, Mimaropa, Palawan Province, Singnapan Basin, Tau't Bato (also Tau't Batu) people, ca. early 20th century CE. A rare example of a hand-carved wooden warrior figure from the Tau't Bato people of the Philippines. The figure stands tall atop planar feet and delineated legs while wearing a minimalist belted loincloth. Both arms are bent and hang at his sides, his left arm next to a sheathed sword attached to his belt. His inverted triangular chest bears gently protruding musculature before terminating in broad, powerful shoulders, and a thick neck emanates from the center. The bulky head bears a stylized visage comprised of incised, almond-shaped eyes, a slender nose with lightly flared nostrils, a slit-form mouth and eyebrows, and cupped ears, all beneath an angular coiffure that is pulled back in a thick bun on the verso. Layers of lustrous and matte patina in hues of chocolate, caramel, and russet envelop the carving and imbue it with an attractive presentation. Tenons beneath the feet attach it to its old wooden base. Size: 5.3" W x 14.25" H (13.5 cm x 36.2 cm); 15.8" H (40.1 cm) on included custom stand.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-Leonard Kalina collection, Culver City, California, USA; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA (auction #65, May 1, 2013, lot 90); ex-Ami Brown collection, New York, New York, USA and Tel Aviv, Israel, acquired from Bruce Frank Primitive Art Gallery, New York, New York, USA

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168423

Losses to front half of proper right foot as shown. Minor abrasions and nicks to legs, arms, body, and head, with light softening to some finer details, and light encrustations on body and around neck. Fabulous patina throughout. Old inventory number on verso of display stand. Modern tenons beneath figure's feet are inserted into drilled cavities in feet for mounting and display purposes.