Unknown Artist
Coconut scraper
- Other titles:
- Nias coconut scraper
- Location
- Upper Asian gallery
- Further information
This is a wooden coconut grater of the kind typically found across Indonesia and Oceania. There was once a metal bit inserted at the end of the neck, which was the actual scraper. A person would have sat upon the seat while grating the coconut, and hence there is a shiny patina on it. The body of the scraper has two short back legs and two front arms and hands that reach upwards towards the neck-like extension. Its belly displays male genitalia and two breast-like protuberances, the combination of male and female attributes being common in central Nias in reference to fertility and abundance. Along the upper part of the 'neck' is a male figure with a prominent headdress, bulging eyes, and what appears to be a lengthy moustache carved in high relief, which may also refer to an elder or ancestor. On the underside is a lizard form, also common in Nias sculpture, in low relief.
- Place of origin
-
Nias,
Indonesia
- Cultural origin
- Central Nias
- Year
- 20th century
- Media
- Woodwork
- Medium
- wood
- Dimensions
- 51.0 x 18.0cm
- Credit
- Purchased with Christopher Worrall Wilson Bequest Funds 2011
- Accession number
- 365.2011
