HAMPATONG STANDING FIGURE – BORNEO, DAYAK – INDONESIA – end 19th to early 20th C
DESCRIPTION/EXPERTISE This piece exhibits a dull blackish-grey patina with free carved legs rising from a rectangular base, supporting a block-like trunk with the arms carved close to the body. Narrow shoulders are turning into a long neck with an elongated face displaying two round bulging eyes and a headdress. Hampatong figures had different functions: they were “guardians of the village” designed to ward off malicious spirits and protect against epidemics, a likeness of a servant destined to serve the dead in the next world, or an effigy of the diseased himself.
MEDIUM Iron wood
SIZE 198cm high – 10,5cm wide – 9cm depth
PROVENANCE Private Belgian collection
PRICE € 2.400
Expertly mounted All dimensions are without the mounting