Barutu figure

This cultural artifact belongs to the Toba population in Indonesia, Sumatra and it was built in stone during the XIX century. Stone sculptures are very typical within Toba and Northern Pakpak from Sumatra. This portrait of Baratu has been commissioned by her husband and it was realised by an artist from the region of Barus. Even though the traits of the woman are not entirely clear, her round cheeks give us a hint of realism. She appears sitting on a decorated chair and holding two ritual boxes, one per each hand. The fine details of the woman represented, transfer her prestige.