Tuntun

Iban Dayak, Indonesia
Early 20th Century
Provenance: Private Old American Collection

Tuntun sticks are believed to have the power to attract animals to animal traps set by the Dayak. Made of wood, these objects were hammered into the ground and instilled good luck into the earth. A carved figure sits atop the stick. Highly stylized, the figure’s facial features are particularly intriguing. The lower portion of the face has been hyper extended into a painted open mouth, conveying strong emotion and magical prowess. The back has been smoothly carved with flowing humanistic lines. The original magic bundle, placed between the arms and legs of the figure, is still visible.

Height: 18.5 in. Figure: 4 in.
IN 08-06-15 / SOLD