Ancestor Figure (Adu Zatua)
Arts of the Pacific Islands
To honor deceased family members, villagers kept carved wooden figures to contain the souls of their ancestors in the family house. This male figure (adu zafua) grasping two short rods wears an elaborate headdress symbolizing the tree of life.
Wood, fur, pigment
early 20th century
22 7/8 x 4 3/4 x 4 in. (58.1 x 12.1 x 10.2 cm) (show scale)
George C. Brackett Fund
Wooden male figure, in crouching position, with prominent headdress. Represents an ancestor.
This item is not on view
Ancestor Figure (Adu Zatua), early 20th century. Wood, fur, pigment, 22 7/8 x 4 3/4 x 4 in. (58.1 x 12.1 x 10.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, George C. Brackett Fund, 34.6073. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 34.6073_SL1.jpg)
overall, 34.6073_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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