Description:

Indonesia, Borneo, Central Kalimantan, Dayak peoples, early 20th century CE. This is a standing wooden (possibly ironwood) shamanic figure, holding his left hand close to his head and his right hand next to his chest. He has not feet; instead his legs terminate in a block of wood. He has a dog attached to his back - a small, handsome spitz-type dog, of the kind often seen in Southeast Asia, with a long, curved tail and upright ears. Prior to the arrival of missionaries in the dense rainforest of Borneo - and for those not convinced by their message - the Dayak had shamans who were powerful and esteemed personages within a village, who needed to be consulted for every major village decision and who functioned as healers and advice-givers for individuals within the village. The ways in which they divined knowledge is sometimes compared to a dog sniffing out old bones; however, whether the dog carved here is a nod that or just an acknowledgement of the importance of humanity's closest animal friend in Dayak society is unclear. Comes with custom stand. Size: 1" W x 3.5" H (2.5 cm x 8.9 cm)

Devine Gifts, fig.47 and published in Bruce Frank, Dayak Amulets, Miniatures sculptures from Borneo, fig.#108

Provenance: Philip Goldman, London, Bruce Frank,NY

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#118039

  • Condition: Dark patina with wear and small loss to one ear as shown

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October 27, 2016 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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