A magnificent large Kayan Kenyalong hornbill figure.
Early 20th century. Borneo. Wood polychrome. 221 x 125 cm. This monumental piece is a rare and early example of the Iban belief, where hornbills are associated with the upper world and functioned as intermediaries between Singalong Burung, the mythological ancestor, and the human world. This elaborately carved bird would have been adorned with jewelry, clothes and offerings of food, and paraded on long poles to transfer messages to the upper world. The ceremony was originally the symbolic start of headhunting raids but today has been incorporated into rice harvest celebrations. (VJ)
Provenance:
An important Belgian collection.
Exhibited in the Nusantara Museum, Delft/The Netherlands, 'Dayak' January 2000.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
04.10.2021 - 15:19
- Estimate:
-
EUR 14,000.- to EUR 16,000.-
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 11,000.-
A magnificent large Kayan Kenyalong hornbill figure.
Early 20th century. Borneo. Wood polychrome. 221 x 125 cm. This monumental piece is a rare and early example of the Iban belief, where hornbills are associated with the upper world and functioned as intermediaries between Singalong Burung, the mythological ancestor, and the human world. This elaborately carved bird would have been adorned with jewelry, clothes and offerings of food, and paraded on long poles to transfer messages to the upper world. The ceremony was originally the symbolic start of headhunting raids but today has been incorporated into rice harvest celebrations. (VJ)
Provenance:
An important Belgian collection.
Exhibited in the Nusantara Museum, Delft/The Netherlands, 'Dayak' January 2000.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
|
Buyers hotline
Mon.-Fri.: 10.00am - 5.00pm
kundendienst@dorotheum.at +43 1 515 60 200 |
| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Online auction |
| Date: | 04.10.2021 - 15:19 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 29.09. - 04.10.2021 |