A peek into one of the remarkable achievements that embody the humanitarian and visionary nature of the David Alan Collection proprietors, David and Amita Bardwick. Creating a rare educational opportunity. Amita with two of the students in a Cultural Dance program.In 2003 Amita established Ignite – a non-profit foundation, and she founded the Alpha Montessori School in Mandawali, an impoverished community in East Delhi, India. It is an inspiring story. For in-depth information, please visit www.Igniteafl.org or inquire at The...

Vintage Kimono AccessoriesWe’ve started a cool new project! Japanese kimonos are made of such spectacular textiles we decided to up-cycle some of our favorites for a new line of lively Computer cases, Travel Bags and Shoulder, Clutch and Coin Purses. The vintage textiles add a spirited flair to modern accessories. We are so happy with them, there are more on our design table. The handwoven silk and cotton fabrics are from some of the many authentic, vintage Japanese Kimonos we...

Tanuki, Vintage Shigaraki Ceramic, 16 1/2″ x 13″ x 10 1/2″, $450.Tanuki have a complex and interesting folkloric history. Although largely unknown in the states, they have been among the most significant characters in Japan since the 16th century.Contemporary Tanuki are creatures of wealth and whimsy; symbols of prosperity seen outside many temples, shops and restaurants. These vintage statues of modern day Tanuki were designed by Shigaraki potter, Tetsuzo Fujiwara, in the early 1950s (Showa Era). They embody these 8...

Museum Quality, Hand Carved White Marble Shan Style Buddha, 17th century. Beautifully carved from a single block of marble. A smooth translucent finish gives surface depth and it displays some of its former gold gilt and red pigment. Excellent condition, the wear is consistent with its age. Buddha is sitting in the lotus position (legs crossed with soles of feet up) with hands in ‘Bhumisparsha mudra’ position – calling the earth to witness his enlightenment. Seated on a Lotus design...

INSTRUMENTS!!!Antique Chinese Tiger Drum (side view – alternate views below)WE HOPE YOU ENJOY BROWSING OUR INTRIGUING COLLECTION OF HANDMADE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTSCarved, cast and intricately constructed, they are beautiful works of art as well. From across Southeast Asia, vintage to contemporary, tribal folk craft to fine art, every piece was masterfully engineered to produce a particular sound. Each has its own intangible significance – some sacred from temples, shrines or holy spaces, some employed by shaman as both costume and instrument...

Since our epic Balancing The Universe: Shamanic Amulets, Instruments and Costumes exhibition last fall, we have additional objects to include – healing and power objects and ritual protector figures, that didn’t make it into the show. If you follow our Gallery Blog, no doubt you will see even more of these ancient southeast Asian shaman ritual objects in the future. The pieces below are from tribal Indonesia and are included together in this one post instead of divided by specific...

This introduction and following series of related posts on shamanism serve as an online version of our 2017 fall exhibition, ‘Balancing The Universe: Shamanic Amulets, Instruments and Costumes’. We also have a full color photo catalog available of the all the pieces in the show and 12 color postcards of selected pieces. Scroll down to see catalog and cards at end of this post.You have likely heard the term ‘Shaman’, but who were – or, are they? Shamanism is an...

Less famous than Bali, Lombok the neighbor island directly to the east and is part of the Lesser Sundas. The indigenous Sasak people are predominantly Muslim after experiencing a long period of Hindu and Buddhist influence. However, as in most of the tribal cultures of Indonesia, ancient traditional ritualistic practices endure and shaman are still highly respected. They are regularly sought out as powerful healers and practitioners of magic to ward off evil and illness as well as to manage...

SULAWESI, Greater Sunda Islands (first 2 images):‘Lupong Manang’ – Shaman’s Medicine Carrier/Backpack with Healing Figures (rare), South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Toraja tribe, Mid 20th c, WoodShaman made their own medicine kits, including wooden backpacks, to contain items for healing, protections and predictions – such as special teeth, stones and other items. The figures on the exterior correspond to illnesses and other conditions or ailments. 19” x 9 ½” x 10”, $2200.Shaman’s Medicine Box, Sulawesi, Indonesia, Toraja tribe, Early 20th c, WoodContainer...

Timor, like Flores is more mountainous than the rolling hills of Sumba, but the shamanic culture is much the same. Both islands are now predominantly christian, although, like most of the cultures throughout the Lesser Sunda Islands, they have integrated the newer belief systems with their ancient roots in Animism. (for several neighboring Lesser Sunda Islands see the following post)‘Katoda’ – God Effigy, Timor Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Early 20th c, StoneShaman would pray to a Katoda to predict...

Flores, and Timor, are more mountainous than the rolling hills of Sumba, but the shamanic culture is much the same. Both islands are now predominantly christian, although, like most of the cultures throughout the Lesser Sunda Islands, they have integrated the newer belief systems with their ancient roots in Animism. (see Timor and several neighboring Lesser Sunda Islands in the following posts)Volcano God Effigy (exceptionally rare), Flores Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Manga Lewa Village, Mid 18th c, Stone, clothUsed...

Sumba Island is part of the ‘The Lesser Sunda Islands’ – the long sweeping chain of islands south of Bali that make up the southern part of Indonesia. In the following posts we include items from Sumba, Flores, Timor, Lombok and a few others. There are many similarities in belief systems throughout the Lesser Sundas but the material culture is unique to each island.Although the people of Sumba are now mostly of Christian or Muslim faith, their ancient Animistic belief...