Wooden Sheath for a Headhunter’s sword

Bidayu, Dayak, West Borneo, Indonesia
Early 20th century

Provenance:
Old American collection

Among the Dayak, successful headhunting is considered to be the highest achievement possible for a tribesman. This remarkable pictorial sheath would have been worn by an important and accomplished leader. The carved design on this sheath relates to various themes: victory, acquisition of wealth and fertility. Rice in various stages of growth is carved on its boarder. A gigantic underworld serpent is the dominant feature of the design. In Dayak culture this creature is a guardian of the land of the dead, and a force for cyclical regrowth. In the mythic world this creature must be fed to harness the beast’s power, its open mouth has been fed a bird. Leeches are also depicted on several parts of the sheath. Their presence symbolizes the need of blood for sustenance. The hungry sword also required “harvested” heads of enemies to satiate its soul. Below the serpent’s head, a figure is carrying a basket with an enemies’ freshly taken head inside it. This finely carved sheath beautifully pays tribute to the Dayak’s warrior tradition.