Antique Macassar Ebony Statue of Hanuman and Naga (early 20th century)
This massive 82 cm tall Indonesian sculpture weighing an impressive 20 kilograms (45 lbs) is carved from a single block of rare Macassar ebony (Diospyros celebica). Its exceptional craftsmanship and the wood’s evident age suggest an origin earlier than the mid-20th century, predating the mass-produced pieces made for the tourist market.
Macassar ebony, native to Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island, is renowned for its striking black and brown bands, extreme density (specific gravity of 1.15, denser than water), and remarkable hardness (Janka hardness 3250, exceeding African black ebony). This precious hardwood has been harvested and traded since colonial times, rendering large old-growth trees increasingly scarce. The rarity of substantial single-block carvings further underscores the significance of this piece.
The statue captures a dynamic scene of the monkey god Hanuman battling a three-headed Naga, depicted as an elegant dragon. The Naga coils sinuously around Hanuman’s powerful form, its smooth, meticulously carved scales exhibiting no visible tool marks. Hanuman’s raised right hand, fingers closed as if gripping an unseen weapon, conveys a sense of impending action. The carving expresses the dragon’s fire breath, rendered with extraordinary precision from the same continuous block of ebony.
The fine artistry of the piece is evident in every detail. Hanuman’s body is adorned with delicate zig-zag incisions simulating strands of hair, which feel soft to the touch and catch the light in a way that adds texture and depth. The statue’s fluid composition and exceptional balance elevate it beyond craftsmanship to a true work of art.
As Macassar ebony carvings of this size and quality are quite rare, this statue stands as a testament to Indonesia’s rich artistic heritage and the allure of Asia’s mythological traditions.
