Dayak Statue
Hampatong, male ancestor figure
Bahau, Dayak people, Central Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia
Ironwood, ulin
Height: 153 cm, width: 25 cm
Early 20th century
Provenance: Emile Delataile, Guy van Rijn, Jan Visser.
Wooden hampatong statue from the Bahau Dayak people of Central Kalimantan, Borneo. This figure represents a male ancestor and was traditionally used as a protective guardian, believed to ward off evil spirits and safeguard the village.
Carved from very dense ironwood (ulin), making it extremely heavy and durable. The figure is wearing a cap, Western-style clothing, and shoes. This reflects early 20th-century outside influence on Dayak culture.
Good age and presence, with visible wear consistent with use and age.
€ 3500
