Hampatong PROTECTIVE STATUETTE - Dayak culture, Borneo island - Around 1900

Hampatong PROTECTIVE STATUETTE

Dayak culture, Borneo island

Around 1900

Wood and iron

H.: 20.5; L.: 5 cm

Anthropomorphic statuette mounted as a hatchet. It stands on a square, ringed and pierced base – allowing the sliding of a suspension link. Its legs, individualized from each other, are slightly bent, its arms are crossed on its chest and its waist is equipped on one side with a hatchet iron.

His face is punctuated by two large C-shaped ears, a short nose and a pair of coffee bean-shaped eyes.

It is a protective amulet, most likely intended to be hung, which warded off evil spirits.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.: 4938