This bold sculpture was hand carved by local artisans in Toraja on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, made with ancient techniques.

Tau tau are a type of effigy made of wood or bamboo, originating in the 19th century. They are special to the people of Toraja, created to represent the deceased, ever-guarding the tombs and protecting the living. In the beginning they were only made for the wealthy, to reflect their social status. The word tau means man, and tau tau means men or statues.

The sculpture comes complete on a black metal stand and its story printed out for you inside a beautiful envelope. Being artisan crafted each piece is slightly different with natural cracks as beautiful signs of the aging of the wood.

Dimensions: ca 66 x 23 x 21cm with the metal support