Dayak ancestor statue
Ref : Dayak 10
Iron wood sitting male ancestor
figure
collected from the Ot Danum tribes of central Borneo,
Parangkaraya area, Kapuas river. In traditional communities such as the
Ot Danum, many people still hold strong beliefs in benevolent and
malevolent supernatural forces, usually embodied by spirits of nature,
natural phenomenon (such as disease) and the souls of deceased
ancestors. Festivals and rituals, and the art associated with such
activities, are strongly focused on ensuring that these forces remain in
balance to protect communities and encourage prosperity. This "Hampatong tajahan" showing traces of erosion with a
superb lichen patina all around was carved during the early 19th century from a single
piece
of ironwood and was
erected to commemorate a deceased relative. Domestic images and hampatong placed close to communal houses often depict recently deceased ancestors and may have individualized human features in detailed carving. These sculptures provide a temporary home for the souls of the dead and are a personal expression of remembrance for deceased individuals. The ornate ancestor carvings also serve a protective spiritual function—they are a primary means of preventing disease from entering homes.
Height : 142 cm / 56 inch
Circa 1850-1900
