Rice Field Protective Figure
Dayak Tribe, Borneo, Indonesia, 19th c.

Carved from ironwood, this standing female figure was stuck inside the ground along the boarder of the rice fields, during planting season. It was created in order to protect the harvest from evil 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 guard for oncoming malevolent 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 throughout the figure.

Its height is 18.25 inches tall
IN 11-13-11/ SOLD