Research and Expertise

Unveiling the Enchanting Power of Sacred Masks

Among the array of ceremonial masks used in ritual dances, two masks hold a distinguished status—they are revered, showcased in temples, and paraded through villages. Known as the Barong landung, these extraordinary masks embody the essence of divine protection, personifying a black-faced male deity and a white-faced female counterpart, representing a king and queen respectively. Their union symbolizes the convergence of opposing forces, encapsulating the concepts of totality, prosperity, and white magic.

United in purpose, the Barong landung serve a vital function, acting as guardians of the village by facilitating purification and restoring balance. During two significant annual Balinese ceremonies, Galungan and Kuningan, these masks take center stage. Adorned upon large anthropomorphic structures, they come to life, acquiring faces that captivate the imagination. The first ceremony marks the homecoming of ancestral spirits, as they visit their Balinese descendants, and the Barong landung are proudly displayed within the temple. The second ceremony, following the galungan festival, signifies the return of the ancestors to the celestial realm. During this procession, the masks grace the village, imparting blessings and protective energies upon all they encounter.

In moments of historical turmoil, adversity, or illness, the masks assume an even more significant role. Their inherent protective qualities are invoked during challenging times, serving as potent symbols of hope and restoration. As bearers of tradition, these masks bridge the gap between the spiritual and human realms, fostering resilience and fortitude within the community.

The Symbolic Essence of the Lotus Flower in Dayak Art

The lotus flower, an exquisite motif seen in Dayak ceremonial artworks, bears a deep-rooted symbolism originating from ancient Hindu influences that made their way to the island of Borneo centuries ago.

The presence of Hindu influences in Borneo dates back to the 4th and 5th centuries AD, evidenced by Sanskrit inscriptions recording offerings made by a king to Brahmins. These inscriptions reveal the existence of a Hindu kingdom in the eastern part of the island. Further influences arrived in the 14th century with the Hindu-Javanese kingdom of Majapahit, which extended its reach to coastal regions of Borneo and other islands within the Indonesian archipelago. Over time, through ongoing contact and cultural assimilation, the lotus flower and its symbolic meaning found their place within Dayak ceremonial artworks.

In Dayak art, the lotus flower is often depicted with four delicate petals or as a ring of interconnected triangles. The four-petaled lotus gracefully adorns wooden sculptures such as ceremonial posts, altars, and mausoleums. On rare occasions, the ring of connecting triangles can be found on ceremonial posts of the Tunjung ethnic group, encircling the post and featuring a seated human or anthropomorphic figure atop it. This extraordinary representation signifies the emergence of a person or deity from the lotus flower.

The lotus flower in Dayak art symbolizes the essence of life and holds a profound association with vitality and beauty. It takes center stage on grand ceremonial posts, which serve as powerful generators of life during significant rituals. Wooden figures and architectural elements adorned with the lotus flower motif also play vital roles in rituals tied to themes of life and prosperity.

As you delve into the captivating world of Dayak art, let the lotus flower inspire you to embrace the vitality and interconnectedness of life. Experience the enduring beauty and cultural heritage that this symbolic motif represents, as it has been cherished and preserved by the Dayak people for generations.

Baby Carriers: Treasured Heirlooms of Borneo

In the vibrant cultural landscape of Borneo, baby carriers hold profound significance as important family possessions and cherished heirlooms. These baby carriers, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and precious materials, serve multiple functions while transporting newborns. With the baby securely fastened on the mother's back, these carriers accompany the child throughout the first two years of their life.

The baby carrier features a wooden base upon which the child sits, leaning against the textile-covered backrest. The shoulder strap ensures a tight and secure fit, keeping the child snugly nestled between the carrier and the mother's back. This practical design allows the mother to carry out daily activities while keeping the child close, fostering a bond of warmth and nurturing.

Beyond their functional role, baby carriers in Borneo also hold social significance, particularly in societies characterized by hierarchical divisions, such as aristocracy, middle class, and slaves. The carriers serve as indicators of social status, with distinctive anthropomorphic motifs of divinity adorning them.
The use of rare blue and yellow beads, bronze bells, and animal teeth as decorative elements further accentuates the carriers of the upper class. By introducing the newborn into society through the carrier's ornate embellishments, these motifs and materials become symbols of prestige and serve as a visual testament to the family's standing.

However, the decorative motifs and precious materials on the back of the baby carriers serve more than just a status indicator. They also hold a vital protective function, ensuring the safety and well-being of the child and, by extension, the family's lineage. The same motifs and materials that adorn the carriers act as guardians, safeguarding the child from harm and reinforcing the bond between the child and their ancestral heritage.

Emphasizing the importance of protection, baby carriers are often used across generations within a family. Passed down from one child to the next, these carriers become treasured heirlooms, valued for their historical and sentimental significance. Even as they age and become too worn for practical use, they retain their esteemed place within the family's legacy, held in the highest regard as precious relics of the past.

In the tapestry of Borneo's cultural heritage, baby carriers stand as symbols of love, protection, and social identity. They encapsulate the profound connections between generations, the power of tradition, and the artistry of indigenous craftsmanship. As you explore the world of Bornean baby carriers, marvel at their intricate beauty and reflect on the deep-rooted cultural values they represent.

Guardians of the Supernatural: Unveiling the Magic of Rods and Stakes

Embark on a captivating journey into the mystical realm of Dayak art as we unveil the extraordinary magic pig trap rods and rice guardian stakes. These remarkable artifacts have mesmerized collectors and enthusiasts since the 1970s, revealing a world of spiritual significance and cultural depth.

In this highlight, we proudly present two exemplary Iban tuntun rods and one Tunjung kelulong stake. Originally serving a practical purpose as measuring rods, meticulously determining the parameters of hunting traps, they transcend their utilitarian function to become sacred objects. Adorned with intricately carved divinities, each figure assumes a distinct posture—the Tunjung standing tall and the Iban figure in a squatting position. These divine representations act as conduits, invoking the spirits of the heavenly realm to aid in capturing targeted animals. Thus, the tuntun and kelulong rods are transformed into potent Dayak hunting charms, imbued with spiritual powers.

Meanwhile, the Iban rice guardian stake, known as agom, assumes a different role while sharing a similar animated essence. These powerful stakes were employed to protect rice crops from malevolent spirits. Through intricate rituals and invocations, the stakes were believed to be infused with supernatural energy, serving as unwavering guardians against any threats to the precious rice harvest. The agom stands tall, symbolizing the community's resilience and ensuring the prosperity and abundance of their sustenance.

However, the decorative motifs and precious materials on the back of the baby carriers serve more than just a status indicator. They also hold a vital protective function, ensuring the safety and well-being of the child and, by extension, the family's lineage. The same motifs and materials that adorn the carriers act as guardians, safeguarding the child from harm and reinforcing the bond between the child and their ancestral heritage.

Collected in situ and originating from private collections, these extraordinary artifacts bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual realms. Their intricate carvings, spiritual significance, and ceremonial animations stand as captivating testaments to the intricate relationship between humans and the supernatural forces that shape their lives.

Majestic Symbol of Tradition: The Bornean Ceremonial Post - Blontang

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring presence of the Blontang, an exceptional ironwood ceremonial post from the Barito Dayak complex. Collected by the distinguished Swiss avant-garde painter and sculptor, Serge Brignoni, this remarkable artwork is a testament to the outstanding craftsmanship and profound cultural significance it holds.

The Blontang mesmerizes with its captivating features, starting with the classic heart-shaped face adorned with expressive bulging eyes and an open mouth revealing prominent teeth and a protruding tongue. The eroded head of hair, styled in a triangular form, gracefully falls on the nape, showcasing intricate vegetal motifs in high relief.

The linear bust, meticulously carved, showcases nearly detached arms that display meticulous attention to detail. The inclusion of massive legs carved in the round breaks the rigidity of the bust, seamlessly merging with the expressive traits of the head. This tripartite body conveys a dynamic presence in space, commanding attention and reverence.

The lower part of the ceremonial post is adorned with stunning vegetal motifs, featuring leaves and lianas that add a touch of natural beauty. Notably, two exceptional animals meticulously carved in the round enhance the allure of the lower section. A powerful lizard, firmly grasping the post, symbolizes strength and authority, while a weathered naga head with its wide-open mouth adds an enigmatic allure to the composition.

The Blontang ceremonial post embodies a harmonious blend of artistic skill, cultural symbolism, and profound craftsmanship. Its presence in Dayak ceremonies holds immense significance, representing the embodiment of spiritual power and sacred connections to nature and ancestral spirits.

Hudoq Masks: Bridging Realms of Surrealism

Hudoq masks embody a captivating and distinct genre of art that has entranced the Dayak art market since their inception. These masks share a strong affinity with the avant-garde movement and its interconnected circles. André Breton, a pivotal figure in surrealism's evolution, stands out as an early and prominent collector of hudoq masks. Furthermore, in 2013, a significant event unfolded when a hudoq mask was auctioned at the Drouot auction house, shedding light on the profound impact these masks have within the art world.

While Bornean art didn't play a transformative role in reshaping the broader course of surrealism, it did spark the curiosity of specific artists during this era of creative vitality. Notably, distinct elements of Bornean art, such as its eccentric forms and intricate arabesques, resonated with surrealists' inclination to explore unconventional and dreamlike imagery. It's crucial to emphasize that this influence was intricate, involving a nuanced interplay between particular aspects of Bornean art and the creative tendencies of surrealist artists.

The hudoq mask, in its unique essence, embodies the very spirit of surrealism. It eloquently demonstrates the fusion of the tangible with the fantastical, masterfully intertwining intricate designs with elements that transcend the limits of our physical world. Beyond being a static artifact, the hudoq mask serves as a gateway through which diverse realities find their voice.

However, the true significance of the hudoq mask surpasses its mere physical presence. It encapsulates the dynamic energy inherent in the surrealist movement. Like a bridge spanning between the ordinary and the extraordinary, the mask illuminates art's innate ability to break free from conventional confines, stirring the depths of our imagination. This essence is a shared trait between the hudoq masks and the surrealist movement—a testament to their profound impact on both artistic expression and human perception.