Rice Field Protective Figure

Dayak Tribe, Borneo, Indonesia
19th-early 20th century

Provenance: Francois Coppens, Belgium
Private American collection, acquired from above in the 1990’s

Carved from ironwood, this standing female figure was placed in the ground along the border of the rice fields, during planting season. It was created in order to protect the harvest from malevolent spirits. The figure slightly leans to one side, and its head tilts back; as if looking up to the spirit word, so it can keep close watch for oncoming harmful forces. The carver who created this figure had a very confident hand. The sculpture is compact and devoid of exaggeration. His use of strong planes, especially with the face, and subtle lines in the construction of the body, are very effective. The surface is nicely weathered, revealing the beautiful natural grain of the wood.