Featured Nias Totems

I see many Nias Totems when researching but have not found them with the pointed end. How old would these be and what would have been their use? Purchased in Indonesia early 1980's. Thank you.

 

maybe used as a roof finial, or taken off the top of a staff...?

 

They are not totems but ancestor figures. I haven't seen these particular ones either, they look older than the ones I usually see.
They were usually tied together in a row, and attached to an altar. Maybe these stood in the sand?

 

Thank you so much AJ. When you say older how old approx? I am trying to get some information recorded for my grandchildren. I do not plan on selling them just passing them on. My dad had a good eye for antique and unique.

 

My guess is 19th century, just based on the beautiful aging of the wood, but I am by no means an expert.
I think they must date at least from before the "Great Repentance" of the early 20th century, when German Protestant missionaries converted most of the population of Nias, and many of the old Adu Zatua or ancestor statues were destroyed because they were considered pagan idols.

There is a museum on Nias, the Museum Pusaka Nias, or Nias Heritage Museum. Since I am out of my depth here, you could ask there.
Their site is also in English:

https://museum-nias.org/en/

https://museum-nias.org/en/contact-us/