Ancestor Figure
Iban Dayak, West Borneo
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Collected in Borneo by Steven Alpert, in the 1970’s. Private French collection
Iban figurative sculpture is quite rare, they are most known for the pig trap amulets or tun tuns they created. The present example was most likely part of an altar, and was cut at the bottom where it was attached to a post. The figure is carved in the classic Iban hunkered form, with elegant elongated limbs and arched back. Its highly stylized and cubistic face has narrow eyes and an open mouth with carved teeth. The sculpture is compelling and balanced, especially when viewed in profile. It is carved from light wood, and has a pale but very old oxidized patina. Subtle remains of red pigment can be seen throughout the figure.
Ancestor Figure
Iban Dayak, West Borneo
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Collected in Borneo by Steven Alpert, in the 1970’s. Private French collection
Iban figurative sculpture is quite rare, they are most known for the pig trap amulets or tun tuns they created. The present example was most likely part of an altar, and was cut at the bottom where it was attached to a post. The figure is carved in the classic Iban hunkered form, with elegant elongated limbs and arched back. Its highly stylized and cubistic face has narrow eyes and an open mouth with carved teeth. The sculpture is compelling and balanced, especially when viewed in profile. It is carved from light wood, and has a pale but very old oxidized patina. Subtle remains of red pigment can be seen throughout the figure.