Dayak, Borneo 11916
Wood
19th/early 20th Century
7.75 inches
This maternity figure is deceptively small; it has the character, sculptural line and iconography of a monumental hampatong. The “displayed sex” of the mother is a feature shared by giant longhouse guardians, and served to frighten away ghosts. The child on her back demonstrates an early stylistic treatment.
THOMAS MURRAY
