19th century wood carved tribal ancestor figure

19th century wood carved tribal ancestor figure. Asian African art, eroded teak.

Total height 98 cm (89 cm without base)

Funerary sculpture of a Myanmar / Jorai / Hemba tribe. With characteristically short legs, elongated trunk, hands on stomach and a large head. The posture, with both hands near the navel, symbolizes he is watching over his offspring.