The hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) has special significance in the myths of the Dayak on Borneo (see cat. no. 205). Only warriors of merit are allowed to wear earrings made out of the yellow to red material (‘hornbill ivory’) cut from the upper crest of the beak of a hornbill. The present earring of ‘hornbill ivory' displays on its light-coloured upper surface two intertwined ‘Aso dragons’, mythological protective creatures of the Dayak. They are recognisable by their rows of teeth. The lower border of the earring is fashioned with openwork volutes, spirals and double spirals. All in the typical, curved Dayak style, carved in relief. According to the information of the consignor, this earring was purchased in a ‘long house’ of the Iban Dayak in northern Borneo, in the province of Sarawak, which belongs to Malaysia. A fine example, with shiny, age usage patina. No damage. A rare piece. H: 5 cm; L: 9.2 cm; W: 4.5 cm. First third to half of the 20th century. (ME) ASA

Provenance: Austrian Private Collection.

Lit.: 'Hornbill and Dragon' by Bernard Sellato, fig. 263, 265.

additional image:
A WARRIOR of the Iban-Dayak in Borneo, with two earrings, which are carved out of the beak attachments of hornbills.
Photo from: “Hornbill and Dragon” by Bernard Sellato