19th C. Sulawesi Toraja Wood Granary Door Man Riding A Cow. Measure 36" X 23". The Toraja are one of the oldest ethnic groups in all of Indonesia, though they did not view themselves as an ethnic group until the early 20th century. The Dutch colonial government named the people "Toraja" in 1909 as a means of identifying which ethnic groups they controlled during the period of Dutch colonization. The word "Toraja" comes from the Bugis Buginese language term "to riaja," meaning "people of the uplands." Torajans are renowned for their elaborate funeral rites, burial sites carved into rocky cliffs, massive and traditional peaked-roof houses known as tongkonan, and colorful wood carvings. Doors like this example provided passage between two rooms in a Torajan house. Behind the door was a special room - known as a "sumbung" - used to lay out the dead before funerals. The likeness of a buffalo was oftentimes used on these doors as an auspicious symbol due to their defensive natures and adamant dispositions, and the staff between the horns is symbolic of protection or defense for the dwelling and those within. This lot, and many forthcoming are from the estate of a true antiquity connoisseur in every sense of the word. This antiquarian truly enjoyed the treasures collected as well as world travel, humanitarianism, and missionary work. This monumental Central Florida collection compiled in their lifetime of art and cultural touchstones is presented in this and many more future sales. Please carefully read our terms of sale, shipping information, and request any condition reports or photos prior to placing a bid. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. RBFineArts CFL INC. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Please email for a condition report and photos, if desired. Emails should be received at least 48 hours in advance of the date of the auction.

READ CAREFULLY! Very good condition see pics Descriptions provided in both printed and online catalog formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by RB Fine Arts Conditions of Sale. Each lot will be sold AS IS, WHERE IS with all defects and faults. No warranties or guarantees of any kind will be given by Seller or Auctioneer including any warranty of fitness, merchantability, or suitability. Bidders should, whenever possible, carefully inspect each lot to determine its condition and contents. All weights, counts, and measurements are approximate. Bidder acknowledges that all lots were available for inspection prior to the Auction and that he or she relied solely on their own inspection of the lots and not any information listed in the catalog or otherwise provided by Auctioneer, the Auction staff, or Seller. It is the responsibility of the buyer to obtain all possible lot of information prior to bidding. If you are not completely satisfied with an item before you bid, DO NOT BID.