HUNTING
CHARM
T A N I M B A R I S L A N D
HUNTING CHARM DEPICTING MYTHICAL TWINS
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19th century
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Tanimbar Island, Maluku Tenggara, Indonesia
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Tanimbar peoples
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Wood, trade cloth
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2.75 in. (6.98 cm) x 1.75 in. (4.44 cm)
Mounted: 4.5 in (11.43 cm) -
Private American collection
Charms conferring power and protection are a celebrated genre of Tanimbar material culture. This distinguished charm featuring two side-by-side figures is said to represent a pair of mythical twin brothers whose assistance was sought in matters of war and hunting. Here, the hunkered twins hold raised bowls as this charm was used in augury, connectivity, and prayers to achieve successful outcomes.
In general, hunting charms with twins are rarely, if ever, as refined and as skillfully carved as the present offering. This is one of the finest examples extant. As in all superior Moluccan figurative carvings, these pieces convey an ephemeral aesthetic quality while communicating strength regarding their posture, pose, and projection. Here, the twins are expressive with their knowing raised eyebrows, perfectly placed mouths, and stoic countenances.
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