NIRVANA

This captivating suite includes a set of round dowry sculptures and a black Buddha head statue, complete with the blackened metal stands.

The Buddha head was hand carved in stone by local artisans on the island of Java in Indonesia, made as per ancient techniques. Buddha, founder of the Buddhist religion is known as the teacher of the gods and the humans, having reached the greatest bliss, Nirvana. Buddha is also described as the bestower of immortality. His head is the symbol of his greatness, filled with mysticism. the embodiment of wisdom and compassion.

The dowry statues were hand carved in black river stone as per ancient techniques by local artisans on the island of Papua.
The dowries are shaped like coins 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 with the stories of the artefacts printed out for you inside a beautiful envelope. Being artisan crafted with organic materials each piece is slightly different with natural imperfections. Books not included.

DIMENSIONS INCLUDING THE METAL SUPPORTS:

• The Buddha head: ca 24cm high by 12cm width and 12cm thickness
• The dowry statues: Large dowry: ca 40 x 52 x 12cm with the stand, medium dowry: ca 30 x 42 x 10cm