Posted By: Dan Thu, Nov 19, 2009 IP: 64.252.180.197
Anecdotal history
The stone carving pictured below has been in my possession for about twenty years. I purchased it in the 1980’s from a neighbor of mine (architect, artist) who had it in his yard since my early childhood memory, the late 1950’s, early 1960’s. His surviving wife told me that she believes that it is from the South Pacific (islands, Indonesia, Bali?). I have shown an image of this piece to an archeologist in Indonesia about 15 years ago, and his comments are quoted below.
Dimension Data
The piece is roughly rectangular, with a triangular ‘skull’ extension outside the rectangle.
Rectangle dimensions (approximate in inches):
Width: 48.75“
Height: 20.00”
Depth: 2.75”
Overall dimensions:
Width: 48.75“
Height: (with triangular skull extension) 30.50”
Depth (front of ‘nose’ to rear of rectangle): 9.00”
Material:
This appears to be carved stone, not cast. Tooling, or carving marks are evident and consistent over the entire piece, with much more rough shaping on the reverse. I believe the material is known as ‘volcanic tuff’, or ‘volcanic sandstone’ or ‘paras’.
Inscription:
As shown in the attached photos, the following in inscribed on the top right edge of the rectangle: D DAJA PRANA. I instinct tells me that this was inscribed by a later hand.
Research:
I have shown the images and to an archeologist from a museum in Jakarta, and his comments were as follows: “The artwork is so beautiful and valuable, but it is not Djaja Prana as Djaja Prana is more good looking and handsome. Djaja Prana is a 19th Century hero (lived 100 years ago) came from North of Bali and died during the war”
Images:
The five images below were taken this summer, two of which detail the inscription.
Any information as to this origin of this carving is appreciated. I instinctively believe this striking ‘sculpture’ is original and authentic, and deserves to be preserved and in public view.
