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Bruce Frank Primitive Art
New York City, NY
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Magic Amulet

Bahau Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
Early 20th c.

Dayak Magic amulets come in many forms and are made from many mediums. This particular amulet is derived from a natural root, which has been carved into an anthromorphic figure, with a human like face and a Dragon/Aso body. Two additional faces boarder the main figure, and on its backside an animal totem figure is carved in relief. According to H. Ling Roth in, “The Natives of Sarawak and British North Borneo”, natural roots were amongst the most powerful and revered charms a Dayak tribesman could own. It was believed that these curiously shaped roots which closely resembled important beings and creatures in Dayak culture; were actual gifts from the Gods. Besides being a wonderful and dynamic sculpture, this charm has great age and a very dark and well handled patina.

Magic Amulet

Bahau Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
Early 20th c.

Dayak Magic amulets come in many forms and are made from many mediums. This particular amulet is derived from a natural root, which has been carved into an anthromorphic figure, with a human like face and a Dragon/Aso body. Two additional faces boarder the main figure, and on its backside an animal totem figure is carved in relief. According to H. Ling Roth in, “The Natives of Sarawak and British North Borneo”, natural roots were amongst the most powerful and revered charms a Dayak tribesman could own. It was believed that these curiously shaped roots which closely resembled important beings and creatures in Dayak culture; were actual gifts from the Gods. Besides being a wonderful and dynamic sculpture, this charm has great age and a very dark and well handled patina.

Width: 3 ¾ in / 9.5 cm

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