Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, Eastern Kalimantan, Kayanic Dayak peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden house finial in the form of an abstract dragon creature known as an 'aso.' The creature presents laying recumbent atop an integral rectangular plinth and has a curved body with a bulbous belly, a protruding phallus beneath a raised posterior and a serpentine tail, and a petite head with ovoid eyes and a massive beak-like snout with spiraling nostrils. This is a stylized dragon whose name in the Kayanic language means "dog." This is not because the figure has any canine features, but rather because the dragon's form is so powerful that it must be handled with care and not have its true power invoked by uttering its real name; instead, it is called "aso" as a shorthand name. Size: 20.9" L x 9.75" H (53.1 cm x 24.8 cm); 12.8" H (32.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Johnson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#152267

  • Condition: Minor repair to fissure in tail, with light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor abrasions and nicks to body, integral plinth, tail, head, and beak, with fading to original surface color, and light encrustations within some recessed areas. Light earthen deposits throughout.

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January 30, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

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