This saddle is carved from a single piece of wood. This has worn smooth and aquired a beautiful patina over time.
It is Indonesian, from Sumba and associated with the annual Pasola festival. This event is held each year in February or March and involves spear throwing from horseback. These days the spears are blunt but it used to be a pretty bloodthirsty affair. Most of the participants ride bareback, apparently only the chiefs have saddles such as this.
Dimensions : 18½" (47cm) x 10¼" (26cm) x 10¼"(26cm)
