Old Home Alter ‘Tavu’ from Tanimbar Islands

The Tavu Alter is a significant cultural and spiritual artifact from the Tanimbar Islands, a group of islands located in Maluku, Indonesia. It represents a sacred space where traditional rituals and ceremonies are performed, reflecting the deep spiritual beliefs of the Tanimbar people.

Typically crafted from wood, the Tavu Alter is intricately carved with symbolic motifs and designs, often representing ancestral spirits, protective deities, or natural elements such as the sea, animals, and vegetation. These carvings are not just decorative but serve as a medium to connect with the divine and honor the ancestors, who are considered guardians of the community.

The Tavu Alter plays a central role in various rites of passage, including weddings, harvest celebrations, and other communal gatherings. Offerings such as food, betel nuts, and traditional cloth (ikat) are often placed on the altar as a gesture of respect and gratitude to the spirits. It also serves as a focal point for storytelling and the preservation of oral traditions, where elders share myths, legends, and cultural values with younger generations.

The Tavu Alter embodies the Tanimbar people’s harmonious relationship with their environment and their rich cultural heritage, making it a vital symbol of their identity and spirituality.

H – 29 x 30 x 4 cm / 268g

Price include shipping.