Hanging Effigy Herb Bowl

Hanging Effigy Herb Bowl from Sumba is a ceremonial artifact that reflects the island’s rich shamanistic traditions. It features a carved wooden effigy suspended above a coconut shell bowl, often decorated with intricate bird motifs or carved faces. The effigy symbolizes ancestral or spiritual forces, offering protection, healing, and guidance. Used in rituals, the bowl holds medicinal herbs believed to be infused with spiritual energy from the effigy. This sacred object plays an essential role in promoting the well-being of individuals and the community, showcasing Sumba’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Sumbanese Herb Bowl, circa 20th Century

Origin: East Sumba
Material: Carved coconut shell with an attached wooden figure as its handle cover.
Size:
Height 16 cm
Diameter 16 cm