Stopper to Bamboo Medicine Container
Nagju Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
19th Century
Provenance: Philip Goldman collection, UK
This finely carved medicine stopper consists of a Tiger-Cat creature holding the head of an ancestor between its arms. There is great tension in the body of the Cat as if it’s ready to spring out into motion. Contrary to appearances; the holding of the head may symbolize protection of the human figure. The expressive faces of both figures are very aggressive. The patina is varied and heavily encrusted from years of ritual libations and use.
Stopper to Bamboo Medicine Container
Nagju Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
19th Century
Provenance: Philip Goldman collection, UK
This finely carved medicine stopper consists of a Tiger-Cat creature holding the head of an ancestor between its arms. There is great tension in the body of the Cat as if it’s ready to spring out into motion. Contrary to appearances; the holding of the head may symbolize protection of the human figure. The expressive faces of both figures are very aggressive. The patina is varied and heavily encrusted from years of ritual libations and use.