SACRED VOWS

This beautiful set includes a large round dowry sculpture and a beautiful praying monk statue complete with the blackened metal stands.

The monk statue was crafted by hand in hardened sand by local artisans on the island of Java in Indonesia, known since antiquity for their exquisite carving techniques. It’s depicting a Buddhist monk in prayer, a person who’s dedicated his life to serving all other living beings, living his life in prayer and contemplation.

Buddhism originated sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE and is the world's fourth-largest religion. Buddhism is the second oldest religion in Indonesia and arrived from India in the 2nd century through the Silk Road.

The dowry statue was hand carved in river stone as per ancient techniques by local artisans on the island of Papua. It’s shaped like a coin to symbolize prosperity. Statues like these were used in marriage proposals since the people of Papua believed that the marriage would be as sturdy as the stone they used as the dowry.
Dowry is an ancient custom that continue to be expected and demanded as a condition to accept a marriage proposal in Papua. It’s a transfer of parental property, gifts, or money at the marriage of a daughter, transferred from the bride's family to the groom or his family. The custom of dowry is most common in cultures that expect women to reside with or near their husband's family. 

The suite comes complete on the black metal stands and the stories printed out for you inside a beautiful envelope. Being artisan crafted, every piece is an original and slightly different, showcasing the stones natural beauty with organic imperfections. The handmade metal supports carry their own authenticity, with subtle imperfections, irregularities and the potential for a natural patina to emerge over time. Books and vase not included.

DIMENSIONS INCLUDING THE BLACKENED METAL SUPPORTS:

• The praying monk statue: ca 16 x 29 x 13cm
• The dowry statue: ca 40 x 52cm