Kalimantan, Indonesia
Wood; height 140cm
This unusual, imposing Y-shaped post features two men. The one to our left has a headdress and shallowly-carved facial details. His arms are placed across his chest/stomach, with the right arm above the left. The man on the right has a headdress and shallowly-carved facial details. His left arm ends in a point around the elbow, while his right arm is placed across his stomach. Such forked-posts are uncommon.
In the past, the animistic Dayak believed that powerful spirits intervened on every aspect of the lives and afterlives of the living. Hampatong sculptures are the physical manifestations of these spirits, may they be ancestral, nature deities or guardian spirits. These hampatong were also believed to aid the deceased on a smooth journey to the afterlife, and bring prosperity and general wellbeing to the village. These site-markers were left standing until they were reclaimed by the elements; the weathering and lichen on this piece is consistent with some outdoor exposure.

Stabilised. Generally in good condition. There are signs of cracks, bleaching and fungi that are consistent with outdoor exposure to the elements.