Early 20th C. Dayak Incised Trophy Skull - Ndaokus

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Pre-Columbian | Tribal | Ethnographic

By Artemis Gallery

Apr 25, 2019

Set Reminder 2019-04-25 10:00:00 2019-04-25 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Pre-Columbian | Tribal | Ethnographic https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/pre-columbian-tribal-ethnographic-4035
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• Lot Description
  Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, Central Kalimantan, Dayak peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A beautiful example of a headhunter's trophy skull, known as an "ndaokus," adorned with intricate linear, zoomorphic, and anthropomorphic motifs. An elongated cresting wave is presented on both sides of the mandible which is tied to the top of the skull cavity with string. Each lateral surface boasts a pair of abstract quadrupeds beneath a fork-tongued snake with stippled scales, and a bulbous frog is displayed along the verso. A highly-abstract human figure stands with an upturned head, stocky conical 'wings,' a narrow waist, and avian-style feet, all beneath a small triangular symbol and enclosed within a wrapped border of dot-filled segments. Fine patina has developed along the exterior surfaces. Size: 5.375" W x 7.375" H (13.7 cm x 18.7 cm).
  
  The Dayak people of old were feared hunters known for their occasional cannibalistic tendencies as well as their affinity and cultural attachment to headhunting. Young men would symbolically transition into manhood by being tasked with taking the life of an enemy combatant. This practice enabled young warriors to prove their masculinity and bravery by taking possession of the soul of the slain foe. The collected skulls were kept in the house of the hunter as trophies, proof of their prowess as a warrior. Ndaokus skulls generally lack a lower jaw because the mandible was removed and given to the women as necklace pendants for a penultimate insult toward the defeated enemy.
  
  Provenance: ex-private Thousand Oaks, California, USA 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.
  
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  #145679

  Condition

  Mandible repaired from three large pieces with light adhesive residue along break line. Mandible is likely not original to top of skull. Restoration to areas of nasal bridge, cheek bones, and orbital cavities, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material. Minor abrasions to top and sides of skull and mandible, with light softening to some incised details, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits and fine patina throughout. Mandible attached to top of head with modern string.
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