A pair of mid-century hand-carved Balinese wooden figural busts.

HISTORY

Indonesian wood carvers, especially in the villages around Ubud on the island of Bali, created decorative sculptures like these for foreign visitors and collectors. They were produced during the mid-twentieth century as tourism grew and travelers sought souvenirs reflecting traditional island culture and dress. Craftsmen used native tropical hardwoods, carving the details by hand with simple chisels and gouges before rubbing the wood to a smooth, dark finish.

Local people displayed these figures in homes and businesses as expressions of regional pride and artistic heritage. They were placed on shelves, desks, and sideboards to bring a touch of tropical craftsmanship into interior decorating schemes. Over time, as travel opened up across the globe, these souvenirs spread widely through international markets, changing from personal travel mementos into sought-after pieces of folk art.

ORIGIN

Bali, Indonesia 10 inches in height