Aso Architectural Element

Bahau, Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
19th Century or before

Provenance: Old American collection

This Mythological beast, the Aso is an iconic image of Dayak culture. It is a guardian, which was attached to the outside of a long house, or a sacred cave shrine; and its aggressive imagery was used to protect its inhabitants. The conception flows lyrically with great movement in the body; in addition to having an exceptionally weathered patina from generations of exposure to the elements.