"Aso" Standing Mythucal Figure

Origin: Dayak Sarawak Borneo

Period: 19th Century

Material: Ironwood

Size: H 21.5 in.

Description: A standing figure of a mythical dragon-dog creature known as "Aso" used to protect the longhouses of the Dayak tribes of Borneo. 

This figure found in Western Kalimantan. Tribal grouping is Kayan. I am uncertain as to wood type. It certainly has the density and weight of Ironwood. It seems these guardian figures are of two types. From inside or outside a longhouse. Those placed in the longhouse interior are often highly burnished.

This is a territorial guardian showing signs to it's base of having been shortened from an outside totem called "Hampatong". An object (such as an animal or plant). Various repairs over time to the creature's mouth area due, no doubt due to exposure to the elements. Wood has a punched effect to the surface. Kayanic Arts of Borneo.

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ID-ZO-008

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