Coffin End

Bahau Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
19th century or before
Provenance: Private European collection

The Dayak placed the remains of tribal members in wooden coffins, interring them in caves within cliff façades. The coffins were made of strong wood and carved with various figures or faces, who acted as guardians. This is one end of such a coffin. The surface of the wood has become eroded from years of storage. The figure is torso-less, with wide eyes, and a heart shaped facial structure and horn like ears. The stern face exudes a sinister presence as the jaw juts outwards.

Height: 8 in.
IN 11-14-15 / SOLD