A beautifully carved and nicely worn “Tongal” from Sumba Indonesia. A Tongal is a man's travelling wooden box where he keeps his tobacco, any additional spices to share when meeting friends or family. . The Tonal is carved with animals that play an important role in Sumbanese culture. On the decorated front side in the middle of the two horses, is a man's head on a stick. Headhunting was a common and celebrated practice until the early 20th century. All animal figures are important in real life, but also reflecting an ancestor or "Marapu" In Sumba "Marapu" connotates both the religion and the occupants of the eternal heaven, who lead a similar existence to men: This smooth wooden "purse" has a nice patina, one showing ample signs of wear from touch and rubbing. There is some significant damage to the two sides of the lid. Please see pictures for details. Collected in the 1970's to '80's. Estimated age: early 20th century 11 cm x 11 cm #ttjuly