Aban Baby Carrier Talisman
Dayak, Borneo
Beads, fiber
19th / very early 20th Century
8 x 8.5 inches (20 x 22.5 cm)
Aban are beaded panels with powerful designs that are attached to the back of Dayak baby carriers, ba, that serve as talismans to protect the child from malevolent ghosts that might be sneaking up from the rear. This aban is an especially early example, featuring old fat glass trade beads and an especially beautiful graphic motif. The panel is sewn down on a black cloth.
$1800
