Iban Dayak. Sarawak State, Borneo Island, Malaysia.
Wood, paint, cotton, glass beads . H: 28.5" (72.4 cm), L: 59" (149.9 cm), W: 9.5" (24.1 cm).

The wood effigy of the hornbill, once revered by the Iban as a war god, symbolizing spiritual strength and protection during pre-colonial headhunting rituals,
exemplifies how cultural artifacts evolve in significance over time. Originally used to invoke the hornbill's spirit to weaken enemies before warfare, the effigy’s
role shifted after colonial era bans on headhunting, transforming into a symbol overseeing prosperous harvest ceremonies, reflecting the community’s resilience
and adaptation. This repurposing underscores the hornbill’s enduring spiritual importance and illustrates how indigenous beliefs and practices are dynamically
reshaped by historical and social changes.

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