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Bruce Frank Primitive Art
New York City, NY
+1 917 733 9589

Tun Tun

Iban Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia, early 20th century

Provenance: Collected in the 1970’s by Trudy Gavin, UK.

Pig trap amulets, or Tun tuns, were thought to magically strengthen traps used in hunting. The long stick would be pounded into the ground, and mark the height of traps for the release mechanisms. This is a classic example. The figure sits atop of the stick, in a crouched position, with elbows resting upon the knees, chin resting upon the hands, and a sweet face with pouched mouth. The figure is finely carved, utilizing positive and negative space.   On the figures back, a simple triangle shaped design pattern is incised throughout. The patina is dark and encrusted, and its surface is well worn from many years of use. Its original fiber magic bundle is still intact between the lower portions of the figure’s legs.

Tun Tun

Iban Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia, early 20th century

Provenance: Collected in the 1970’s by Trudy Gavin, UK.

Pig trap amulets, or Tun tuns, were thought to magically strengthen traps used in hunting. The long stick would be pounded into the ground, and mark the height of traps for the release mechanisms. This is a classic example. The figure sits atop of the stick, in a crouched position, with elbows resting upon the knees, chin resting upon the hands, and a sweet face with pouched mouth. The figure is finely carved, utilizing positive and negative space.   On the figures back, a simple triangle shaped design pattern is incised throughout. The patina is dark and encrusted, and its surface is well worn from many years of use. Its original fiber magic bundle is still intact between the lower portions of the figure’s legs.

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