Kayanic Dayak complex. East Kalimantan, Borneo Island, Indonesia.
Hardwood. H: 47” (119.4 cm), W: 12.5" (31.8 cm), D: 7" (17.8 cm).

The sculpture represents a powerful protective spirit, likely the image of the Thunder God (Aki Belarik Ubong Do’).
The Thunder God is the supreme protector who controls the weather, brings life giving rains, and uses his thunder as a weapon against malevolent forces.

The bent, muscular legs and powerful arms convey a sense of dynamic tension and readiness to spring into action, fitting for a protective guardian.
The oversized "scooped" face with large disc-shaped eyes, diamond mouth, and elongated earlobes is in the classic archaic Kayanic style. This is not a human
face, but a supernatural mask-like visage meant to be awe-inspiring. The square post below the feet, with an opening for a large peg, is a practical feature
for securing the figure into an architectural element or onto a ritual platform.

Sculptures of this type were normally placed at the entrance or river-facing front of the communal longhouse and acted as a spiritual guardian to ward
off evil influences, physical enemies, and pests to ensure health and agricultural fertility. It served as a vital connection between the community, the spirit
world, and the natural environment of Borneo.

For price or additional information, please email your request, with inventory number and title description, to: majtribal@gmail.com.