Featured An Indonesian "Totem Pole" Carver - Just FYI

Ran across these this morning, one coming up at a local auction, the other having sold at auction in 2019 (realizing $170 !). Both 32" tall and signed "Putu Adi", which appears to be an Indonesian name. Something to be on the lookout for.











https://affiliatedauctions.hibid.com/lot/48521659

 

At least Putu Adi signs them with a Balinese name.*
In Bali art is communal, it can be made by anyone as long as there are no religious or caste restrictions. They regard non-Balinese art the same way.
And to be fair, with so many non-Balinese making Balinese style items, it is understandable that they don't see a problem in making items like these.

*Balinese names follow the system of one's position in the family. Putu is one of the names given to a first born child. Adi is pretty generic, which means there are many Putu Adis on Bali.

 

other than generous size and Nice carving....why be on the lookout for these?

Is the carver sought after ?

 

there are metric tons of nice Bali carved totems..

 

Not that I know of. I just thought it might be interesting and helpful, as we gets lots of inquiries here about such things. It is nice, and uncommon, that the carver signed his pieces.

I wonder if the distressing of the second one was done by the carver, or someone else.

 

The carving sold for $53 (+ 16% buyer's fee). I expect to see it soon in a local mall, identified as Native American and priced accordingly.