Borneo (Kalimantan), Dayak: An ape mask with typical Dayak decoration.
A small mask made of lightweight, light-coloured wood, very carefully carved, and dyed brown, white and black on the front. It probably depicts a ‘mythical ape’. The mask is carved with the typical, curved volutes of the Dayak style in low relief. The volutes are dyed black. The open mouth at the bottom is white and shows two dark, tight rows of teeth. The eyes of the mask are not crafted throughout. The masked dancer looks out through two triangular holes at the right and left of the flat nose. Formally, on this obviously Dayak mask, a stylistic influence of Java is also evident (‘wayang topeng’ masks). It nevertheless originates from south Borneo (the precise Dayak tribe cannot be more specifically determined). A piece with ‘soft’ worn usage patina inside (at the back) and three small, age-related breaks on the back rim. Otherwise no damage. H: 22 cm; W: 16 cm. First half to mid-20th century. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian Private Collection.
Lit.: See Dorotheum Catalogue ‘Stammeskunst/Tribal Art’ of 24th March 2014, cat. no. 190: here, a very similar Dayak mask from the collection of Prof. Dr. Rudolf Leopold was offered (the same mask type).
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
02.11.2015 - 14:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 2,000.-
Borneo (Kalimantan), Dayak: An ape mask with typical Dayak decoration.
A small mask made of lightweight, light-coloured wood, very carefully carved, and dyed brown, white and black on the front. It probably depicts a ‘mythical ape’. The mask is carved with the typical, curved volutes of the Dayak style in low relief. The volutes are dyed black. The open mouth at the bottom is white and shows two dark, tight rows of teeth. The eyes of the mask are not crafted throughout. The masked dancer looks out through two triangular holes at the right and left of the flat nose. Formally, on this obviously Dayak mask, a stylistic influence of Java is also evident (‘wayang topeng’ masks). It nevertheless originates from south Borneo (the precise Dayak tribe cannot be more specifically determined). A piece with ‘soft’ worn usage patina inside (at the back) and three small, age-related breaks on the back rim. Otherwise no damage. H: 22 cm; W: 16 cm. First half to mid-20th century. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian Private Collection.
Lit.: See Dorotheum Catalogue ‘Stammeskunst/Tribal Art’ of 24th March 2014, cat. no. 190: here, a very similar Dayak mask from the collection of Prof. Dr. Rudolf Leopold was offered (the same mask type).
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 02.11.2015 - 14:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 28.10. - 02.11.2015 |