Tun Tun
Iban Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
Early 20th c
Provenance: Old French collection. Schoffel de Fabry Galerie, Paris
Pig trap amulets, or Tun tuns, were thought to magically enhance traps used in hunting. The long stick would be pounded into the ground, and mark the height of the trap’s release mechanism. This is a classic example. The figure sits atop of the stick, in a crouched position, with elbows resting upon the knees, chin resting upon the hands, with an intense face and open mouth. The figure is finely carved, utilizing positive and negative space. Its limbs are lively and elongated, while its hands are exceedingly exaggerated. The patina is dark and encrusted, and its surface is well worn from many years of use.
Height of seated figure: 4 ½ in / 11.4 cm
Tun Tun
Iban Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
Early 20th c
Provenance: Old French collection. Schoffel de Fabry Galerie, Paris
Pig trap amulets, or Tun tuns, were thought to magically enhance traps used in hunting. The long stick would be pounded into the ground, and mark the height of the trap’s release mechanism. This is a classic example. The figure sits atop of the stick, in a crouched position, with elbows resting upon the knees, chin resting upon the hands, with an intense face and open mouth. The figure is finely carved, utilizing positive and negative space. Its limbs are lively and elongated, while its hands are exceedingly exaggerated. The patina is dark and encrusted, and its surface is well worn from many years of use.
Height of seated figure: 4 ½ in / 11.4 cm