Tun tun
Iban Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia, early 20th century
Provenance: Jose Manuel Ferrater Lambarri, Barcelona

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 ontop 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. A simple cross-hatched design pattern is incised across the square base the figure sits upon.

Height: 21 in figure: 4 in.
IN 11-15-14/ SOLD