Ngaju Dayak. Central Kalimantan, Borneo Island, Indonesia.
Hardwood. H: 23.5" (59.7 cm).

Rare large charm depicting a male ancestor, in squatting position, arms crossed with hands gripping each opposite upper arm.
The tongue reaches up to touch the bottom of the nose, a facial expression often associated with protection and menace to enemies.
The figure wears a crown-like headdress, indicating the figure's high status.

By its larger size and shape, it would appear to be a figure cut from the top of a post that was once place outdoors.
But, there is no cut mark under the base and it is clear the piece is a complete, freestanding (or sitting) sculpture.

Ex: Mark A. Johnson, Los Angeles (acquired in the early 1980s).
Ex: Private collection, Los Angeles.
Ex: Michael Sorafine, Los Angeles (by descent)

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