Rice Field Protective Figures
Dayak Tribe, Borneo, Indonesia
19th-Early 20th century
Provenance: Catherine Cootner collection, San Francisco.
By descent to family member.
Carved from ironwood, this pair of figures were stuck inside the ground along the border of the rice fields, during planting season. They were created in order to protect the harvest from evil spirits. The figures stand tall, with elongated legs. The smaller female figure is holding a baby. The carver who created these figures had a very confident hand. The sculptures are compact and devoid of exaggeration. His use of strong planes, and subtle lines in the construction of the body, are very effective. The surfaces are beautifully weathered white in color, due to numerous lichen and lime deposits covering the entire surfaces. The peg extensions have been eroded away with time; but the ancestral images remain in good condition.
Rice Field Protective Figures
Dayak Tribe, Borneo, Indonesia
19th-Early 20th century
Provenance: Catherine Cootner collection, San Francisco.
By descent to family member.
Carved from ironwood, this pair of figures were stuck inside the ground along the border of the rice fields, during planting season. They were created in order to protect the harvest from evil spirits. The figures stand tall, with elongated legs. The smaller female figure is holding a baby. The carver who created these figures had a very confident hand. The sculptures are compact and devoid of exaggeration. His use of strong planes, and subtle lines in the construction of the body, are very effective. The surfaces are beautifully weathered white in color, due to numerous lichen and lime deposits covering the entire surfaces. The peg extensions have been eroded away with time; but the ancestral images remain in good condition.
