Chin Totem Fragment Depicting Man on Horse 1

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Chin Totem Fragment Depicting Man on Horse 1

This evocative sculptural fragment originates from a traditional Chin totem, once positioned outdoors in front of village homes in the highland regions of Myanmar. Carved from solid teak, the piece depicts a stylised figure seated on a horse — a motif associated with protection, status, and ancestral honour within Chin culture. Exposed for decades to the elements, the wood has developed a striking weathered patina shaped by sun, rain, and termite erosion, resulting in the organic, almost abstract form seen today.

Such fragments have become increasingly rare. As many Chin communities converted to Christianity during the 20th century, missionaries encouraged the removal or destruction of animist ritual objects, leading to the disappearance of these culturally significant carvings. This surviving piece stands as a powerful testament to Chin craftsmanship, symbolism, and identity. Mounted on a simple display stand, it now reads as both ethnographic artefact and modern sculpture.

Note: The piece will be lightly touched up and conditioned by our restoration team prior to delivery.