Indonesia, Borneo, Kalimantan region, Dayak, ca. early 20th century. A monumental, hand-carved wooden figure (hampatong) representing an ancestral figure standing upon an integral cylindrical pedestal. A tall, slender form with a narrow waist, standing with legs apart and arms crossed over the abdominal and genital area so the sex is somewhat nebulous. The feet are decorated with zoomorphic motifs above curvilinear, organic, perhaps phytomorphic tendrils. Lacy, ribbonlike ties wrap around the figure's waist, hips, and buttocks as well as the shoulders and chest. The visage is quite striking, presenting with protruding, almost tubular eyes with incised irises/pupils, a protruding nose with an ornament over the bridge, pointy horn-like ornaments through the ears, and a hat adorned by a running zigzag motif. Figures like this are thought to ward off evil spirits and thus protect a village. Size: 11.75" W x 91" H (29.8 cm x 231.1 cm); 91.5" H (232.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private collection, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#159722

Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Many age cracks including widely separated cracks on the base as shown.