Oval Twin Tongkonan with Kandaure Wooden Carving

This wooden carving painting depicts a pair of Torajan Tongkonan houses with a Kandaure ornament at the center. The Tongkonan, with its boat-shaped roof, symbolizes the unity of family and the ancestral origins of the Torajan people. The four sacred colors—black for death, red for life, yellow for divine blessings, and white for purity—represent the balance between spiritual and worldly realms. The Kandaure, traditionally made of hand-strung beads, is not only worn as ceremonial adornment but also hung outside the house during important rituals as a symbol of blessing and honor. Its presence signifies prosperity and respect for the divine. Together, these elements reflect the Torajan people’s deep reverence for heritage, harmony, and community, celebrating the connection between art, spirituality, and daily life.

Toraja, circa 1970
Material: Uru wood and Paint
Dimension: 21,5 x 30 x 1 cm