Stopper from a Magic Container
Kenyah-Kayan Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
19th-early 20th century
Published: The Divine Gifts, by Philip Goldman, 1975, fig. 78.
This wooden stopper would have surmounted a very large bamboo container; shaman’s used to store medicine and “magical” substances. The stopper is carved in the form of a stylized Tiger Cat, linjau. The sculpture is superb. There is great tension and elegance found throughout the carving. Its patina is dark and encrusted, evidence of prolonged use and libations.
Stopper from a Magic Container
Kenyah-Kayan Dayak, Borneo, Indonesia
19th-early 20th century
Published: The Divine Gifts, by Philip Goldman, 1975, fig. 78.
This wooden stopper would have surmounted a very large bamboo container; shaman’s used to store medicine and “magical” substances. The stopper is carved in the form of a stylized Tiger Cat, linjau. The sculpture is superb. There is great tension and elegance found throughout the carving. Its patina is dark and encrusted, evidence of prolonged use and libations.