GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The female figure depicted on this sculpture represents the first female ancestor (luli), the founding mother of a noble matrilineal descent group. In addition to the female figure, the sculpture references boats—an important symbol of the womb and the source of life—and trees, which represent new life. Luli appears on top of the boat-womb motif that rises up like a tree from the lower part of the sculpture. The figure’s outstretched arms also suggest the shape of a boat. Often, the female ancestor may be supported by a decorated pedestal, like the square one here, on which sacrifices or offerings to luli were placed.
In the western islands of the Southeast Moluccas, the contrast between heaven and earth was once important in local beliefs about the universe. The marriage of a masculine sun god and a feminine earth ensured the continuity of life. The cleft-diamond shape of the pedestal, which represents the gold ear ornaments worn by men, is probably a reference to the sun god.
Excerpt from
Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, 2013.
NOTES
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PROVENANCE
1946-1999: Burgauer Collection, Zurich, Switzerland
1999: Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., purchased through Pacific American Corp. (Steven G. Alpert), Dallas, Texas [1]
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is the copy of the document "Statement" dated September 16, 1999, in the Collections Records object file (1999.181.McD).
[1] Works of art given or purchased by The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, are placed in the custody of the DMA for the purpose of public display on the premises of the Museum or in other recognized art galleries or museums. The title to all works of art purchased (or otherwise acquired) by the McDermott Art Fund remains with the fund.
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Apply to objects where number equals 1999.181.McD
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General Description
The female figure depicted on this sculpture represents the first female ancestor (luli), the founding mother of a noble matrilineal descent group. In addition to the female figure, the sculpture references boats—an important symbol of the womb and the source of life—and trees, which represent new life. Luli appears on top of the boat-womb motif that rises up like a tree from the lower part of the sculpture. The figure’s outstretched arms also suggest the shape of a boat. Often, the female ancestor may be supported by a decorated pedestal, like the square one here, on which sacrifices or offerings to luli were placed.
In the western islands of the Southeast Moluccas, the contrast between heaven and earth was once important in local beliefs about the universe. The marriage of a masculine sun god and a feminine earth ensured the continuity of life. The cleft-diamond shape of the pedestal, which represents the gold ear ornaments worn by men, is probably a reference to the sun god.
Excerpt from
Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, 2013.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
Notes
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Process/materials
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
1946-1999: Burgauer Collection, Zurich, Switzerland
1999: Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., purchased through Pacific American Corp. (Steven G. Alpert), Dallas, Texas [1]
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is the copy of the document "Statement" dated September 16, 1999, in the Collections Records object file (1999.181.McD).
[1] Works of art given or purchased by The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, are placed in the custody of the DMA for the purpose of public display on the premises of the Museum or in other recognized art galleries or museums. The title to all works of art purchased (or otherwise acquired) by the McDermott Art Fund remains with the fund.
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
rules
Apply To
Objects
number
Equals
1999.181.McD
source file
object_notes_2_c-0307.xml.nores