Mark A. Johnson Tribal Art

2955: Sculpture "Hampatong". Ironwood. H: 67", W: 48" (hand to hand), D: 30". Early-mid 20th century. Ngaju Dayak, Central Kalimantan, Borneo Island, Indonesia. Wild and animated sculpture with sitting figure riding on the back of a water buffalo. In one arm the figure is holding a baby by the ankles and appearing to spin it around in circles (wheeee!). A snake coils around that arm. In the other arm the figure is holding a bunch of bananas. There is unidentified creature (possibly a feline figure) holding on to the arm. A turtle crawls up the chest and a big lizard or crocodile hangs from the back of the main figure. There are additional lizards and fish on the back of the buffalo. The main figure and buffalo sit above a severed trophy head. Animal imagery is often added to sculptures of ancestors and spirits to increase their protective power.