**Originally Listed At $1400**

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, Kalimantan, Dayak people, ca. 19th century CE. An excellent collection of 7 hand-carved wooden figures that represent karuhai stoppers, guardians, or vessels. Four of the figures are karuhai charms carved with rounded bases that are stoppers for containers, often vessels made of hollowed bamboo tubes. The figures here may represent shamans or ancestral protector spirits that guarded the container’s contents and these figures were treated with reverence and anointed with blood, egg, or various libations. The largest figure is a ritualistic container with removable head that reveals a shallow niche. One figure is seated on an integral pedestal with white shell eyes. The last figure is a kneeling woman with her hands on her side. This woman and the figure with beads are hampatong, or guardian statues. A nice, dark patina envelops the surface of all figures. Size large vessel figure: 1.5" L x 1.125" W x 4" H (3.8 cm x 2.9 cm x 10.2 cm); 4.75" H (12.1 cm) on included custom stand; smallest figure: .375" W x 2.5" H (1 cm x 6.4 cm); 3" H (7.6 cm) on included custom stand.

The word Hampatong comes from the Dayak word patong which means statue. Most Hampatong figures portray ancestors and supernatural guardians from the Dayak religious system. These guardians are believed to prevent evil spirits, especially those bringing illness from entering the community. Hampatongs also serve as temporary homes for the spirits of the deceased, where they briefly stay before beginning their journey to the afterlife. Each one has its own specific purpose, as they all represent specific ancestral spirits or deities.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Ami Brown collection, New York City, USA, acquired from 1950 to 1970

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#163000

Stable pressure fissures and cracks on five figures. Losses and chips to arms of seated figure with beads. Loss and chips to vessel figure and one foot is restored and reattached at ankle. Loss to base of largest stopper figure. Nicks and chips to high pointed areas on all and rich patinas.