Amulet Figure from a Shaman’s Box

Iban Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
Early 20th c

Provenance: Old Canadian collection

While this figure is small in scale; it possesses a monumentality through its expressiveness and delicately sculpted body.  Its finely carved head is accented by its very strong jaw line. The facial expression is intense and strong, its open mouth with exposed teeth seems to be calling out to the spirit world. The surface of the figure possesses an encrusted soot like black patina from years of handling and being stored in the long house. In excellent condition and it is mounted on a custom base.