Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, Dayak peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A hand carved ironwood baby carrier, with a curved half-basket shape and crescent seat, with a high relief demon face to ward off evil and provide protection. Attached to the sides are straps woven from palm fibers for wearing on the mother's back. Shamans, chieftains, and their close relatives were the aristocrats of Dayak society and only people of this high class could use anthropomorphic carvings to protect themselves, middle classes could use demon or animal depictions (such as this face), and the lowest could only use geometric abstract designs. Additional objects such as shells, beads, and animal teeth were added to baskets as ornaments to decorate and infuse power and protection; the rattling and noises made by hitting the wood was also believed to drive away evil. Size: 15" L x 9" W x 12.5" H (38.1 cm x 22.9 cm x 31.8 cm)

Provenance: private Bali, Indonesia collection

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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#182989

Repaired with left side reattached with adhesive and break line visible. Losses to the thinner areas sides - old insect activity with bore holes and Stable pressure fissures. Chips and abrasions throughout. Demon face is well preserved with patina throughout.