Indonesian Wood Mantle

Little dark fence with two stubby posts, like a ladder lying on its side.

This carved wooden mantle from Timor is from Timor, Indonesia, and dates to the 20th century. It is wood. Island Southeast Asian wood carving often uses local hardwoods worked with chisels and adzes, and the surface may be left plain or cut with repeating geometric patterns. Flat rectangular frame of dark wood with three long horizontal bars joined by vertical rungs. Two small knob-shaped finials rise from the top edge. The surface is dark and worn, with a dry, matte finish. It is 31 inches wide, 2 deep and 18 high.

Simple bars, simple joints, and surprising presence.