Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, Dayak, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. An alluring and quite massive wooden ancestral figure known as a Hampatong, exhibiting an animated expression and a stylized appearance. Gazing forth from huge eyes beneath peaked brows, the figure sits in a contorted position; his left leg bent across his body to touch his right hip as his right leg bends below and one hand reaches between his legs. His other hand extends upward, scratching the top of his enormous ovoid head while his mouth gapes open exposing feline-like fangs and a protruding tongue, intended to frighten away evil forces. Relief decoration of a feline amongst vegetal motif adorns the area beneath his legs. Figures like this are thought to ward off evil spirits and thus protect a village, and were placed outside, as exemplified by the weathering and patina on this piece! Size: 12.7" L x 12.5" W x 40.4" H (32.3 cm x 31.8 cm x 102.6 cm); 41.4" H (105.2 cm) on included custom stand.

The word hampatong comes from the Dayak word "patong" which means statue. Most hampatong figures portray ancestors and supernatural guardians from the Dayak religious system and these guardians are believed to prevent evil spirits, especially those bringing illness from entering the community. hampatongs also serve as temporary homes for the spirits of the deceased, where they briefly stay before beginning their journey to the afterlife. Each one has its own specific purpose, as they all represent specific ancestral spirits or deities.

The construction of hampatong is an arduous process both physically and spiritually. They are carved in the round from single pieces of incredibly hardy Bornean ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) with adzes. Usually, they will be created in the image of someone who has recently passed away. There are great stylistic differences amongst hampatong, but their forms tend to be more minimalistic and abstracted, as seen in this example.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-Alan Stone collection, New York, New York, USA

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#185272

Some chips and losses as well as nicks, abrasions, and fissures as shown. Expected weathering to surface and some possible areas of old, inactive insect damage. Rich patina throughout.