Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, Sarawak, Iban Dayak peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A wonderful carved-wood totem depicting the bust of a man atop a narrow, cuboid pole that serves as a stopper for a shamanic vessel. Holding both hands together before him, the curious figure displays an enormous head held up by a slender neck with a prominent Adam's apple and square shoulders that dramatically narrow to a thin waist. The stoic visage exhibits a straight mouth, a broad, flat nose, and slender, incised eyes held closed, all flanked by a pair of circular ears. The espresso-hued surface of this curious sculpture boasts a lustrous burnish and lovely patina. Size: 3.25" W x 11.5" H (8.3 cm x 29.2 cm); 13.75" H (34.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Ami Brown collection, New York City, USA, 1950 to 1970
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#162970
Condition
Collection label on custom stand. Abrasions and wear to base, as well as a few light nicks throughout, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina.