Katu, Laos, Vietnam: A rare ceremonial shield of the Katu.
The Katu live on the Bolaven Plateau, on either side of the border with South Laos and Vietnam. They are known for their grand ceremonies with buffalo sacrifices. On these occasions, the cult leader carries a round ceremonial shield, such as this one, made of thin wood with a narrow, thick bamboo edge. The shield is slightly concave, dyed with black lacquer on the front and back, and displays a ‘sun symbol’ made of metal stripes on the front. On the reverse is a double handle made of wood and metal attached to struts. A rare object in very good condition (only a ‘sun ray’ is missing). First half of the 20th century; DM: 56 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Belgian collection.
Lit.: ‘Understanding Katu Culture’ by Ta Duc, ill. 67, 72; ‘Jarai’ by Goy & Coué, ill. 42, 43, 45, 71, 72, 73.
Additional picture:
A ‘priest’ of the Katu with a typical ceremonial shield. The shield is the symbol of cult leaders during the grand sacred rituals with buffalo sacrifice.
Photo from: JARAI, Bertrand Goy, Jean-Yves Coué
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 2,400.- to EUR 3,000.-
Katu, Laos, Vietnam: A rare ceremonial shield of the Katu.
The Katu live on the Bolaven Plateau, on either side of the border with South Laos and Vietnam. They are known for their grand ceremonies with buffalo sacrifices. On these occasions, the cult leader carries a round ceremonial shield, such as this one, made of thin wood with a narrow, thick bamboo edge. The shield is slightly concave, dyed with black lacquer on the front and back, and displays a ‘sun symbol’ made of metal stripes on the front. On the reverse is a double handle made of wood and metal attached to struts. A rare object in very good condition (only a ‘sun ray’ is missing). First half of the 20th century; DM: 56 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Belgian collection.
Lit.: ‘Understanding Katu Culture’ by Ta Duc, ill. 67, 72; ‘Jarai’ by Goy & Coué, ill. 42, 43, 45, 71, 72, 73.
Additional picture:
A ‘priest’ of the Katu with a typical ceremonial shield. The shield is the symbol of cult leaders during the grand sacred rituals with buffalo sacrifice.
Photo from: JARAI, Bertrand Goy, Jean-Yves Coué
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: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |