Fishermen’s Amulet
Melanau, Dayak, Sarawak, West Borneo
19th c.
Provenance: Francois Coppens, Belgium. Rodger Dashow collection, Boston
Published: “Borneo”, Musee Departmental De Solutre, 1996, pg. 13. “Indonesian Tribal Art”, Carpenter, Bruce, 2015, pg.291
This rare fisherman’s amulet depicts Janus-figured spirits, believed to protect the wearer and ensure a successful hunt. Expertly carved from deer antler, it showcases remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The two figures sit back-to-back, their faces pensive, with half-moon eyes and broad noses that lend them a solemn, contemplative expression. Their elongated limbs are adorned with intricate, scale-like lines which enhance the textural richness of the piece. Atop their heads, a small spirit animal is delicately carved, adding another layer of symbolic power to the amulet. These amulets are extremely rare.
Size
Height: 4 in / 10.2 cm
Item
IN 4-7-25 / Price on request
Gallery
Fishermen’s Amulet
Melanau, Dayak, Sarawak, West Borneo
19th c.
Provenance: Francois Coppens, Belgium. Rodger Dashow collection, Boston
Published: “Borneo”, Musee Departmental De Solutre, 1996, pg. 13. “Indonesian Tribal Art”, Carpenter, Bruce, 2015, pg.291
This rare fisherman’s amulet depicts Janus-figured spirits, believed to protect the wearer and ensure a successful hunt. Expertly carved from deer antler, it showcases remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The two figures sit back-to-back, their faces pensive, with half-moon eyes and broad noses that lend them a solemn, contemplative expression. Their elongated limbs are adorned with intricate, scale-like lines which enhance the textural richness of the piece. Atop their heads, a small spirit animal is delicately carved, adding another layer of symbolic power to the amulet. These amulets are extremely rare.
Size
Height: 4 in / 10.2 cm
Item
IN 4-7-25 / Price on request
Gallery