Maternity Figure
Bahau Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Karob Collection, Boston, acquired in Jakarta in the 1970’s
This maternity figure was most likely situated on the verandah of a traditional Long House. Its weathered gray surface shows evidence of being exposed to the outside elements. The figure is carved in high relief with great depth. The flat back signifies that it was most likely originally incorporated into a larger architectural column or structure. Both the mother and child have powerful and expressive features. The right hand of the mother has claws for fingers; a stylistic trait only found on early Dayak sculptures.
Maternity Figure
Bahau Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Karob Collection, Boston, acquired in Jakarta in the 1970’s
This maternity figure was most likely situated on the verandah of a traditional Long House. Its weathered gray surface shows evidence of being exposed to the outside elements. The figure is carved in high relief with great depth. The flat back signifies that it was most likely originally incorporated into a larger architectural column or structure. Both the mother and child have powerful and expressive features. The right hand of the mother has claws for fingers; a stylistic trait only found on early Dayak sculptures.