Rare 1940 Pita Maha Period Balinese Woman Bust Sculpture

An exceptionally rare Balinese wood sculpture from the Pita Maha art movement, dating from the 1930s–1940s. This finely carved bust of a Balinese woman in traditional dress exemplifies the artistic renaissance of Bali during the Netherlands East Indies period.

Authenticity and Markings

  • Carved from solid hardwood (djati wood).

  • The underside bears the mark “BALI NEI”, identifying it with the Netherlands East Indies (Dutch East Indies), a colonial territory that existed until 1949.

  • The NEI stamp confirms its origin and historical period.

Historical Significance

The Pita Maha collective, founded in 1936 by Walter Spies, Rudolf Bonnet, and Balinese aristocrats, sought to preserve and elevate traditional Balinese art. This bust reflects the refined craftsmanship and cultural expression fostered during this movement. Sculptures of this caliber are rarely seen outside museum collections.

Condition and Details

  • Period: Circa 1930–1940s

  • Origin: Bali, Netherlands East Indies

  • Material: Djati hardwood

  • Measurements: 15 cm x 14 cm x 8 cm (6" x 5.5" x 3")

  • Excellent vintage condition with age-appropriate patina

Collector’s Notes

This sculpture is an exceptional acquisition for collectors of:

  • Balinese and Indonesian tribal art

  • Southeast Asian fine art

  • Pita Maha period works

  • Ethnographic museum-quality pieces

Its rarity, cultural importance, and documented NEI marking make it an heirloom-quality treasure. A centerpiece for serious collectors, galleries, and museums. 


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►IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• This listing is for 1 statue only.

• Colors may vary slightly due to individual monitor settings.

• International buyers: Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility and are not included in the item price.


►ABOUT THE SELLER

Tribal art is my passion, I have been collecting authentic tribal and ethnographic artifacts for over 30 years.

My journeys have taken me deep into remote villages, dense forests, and across rural landscapes of Africa, Asia, India, and Southeast Asia.


The items in my collection are not tourist replicas.

They are genuine cultural objects, used in rituals of divination, healing, and ceremony by animist tribal communities.

Every piece is hand-selected for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and story.