Kayanic Dayak complex. East Kalimantan, Borneo Island, Indonesia.

Wood. H: 39" (99.1 cm), W: 20.5” (52.1 cm), D: 2.5” (6.4 cm).

I believe this “panel” was once a door to a chief or nobleman’s quarters within the longhouse.
It appears the top and bottom section of the door were removed due to old damage or wear. The main figure is intact.

The front of the panel/door displays a mythical dragon spirit (aso) in the classic Kayanic form of a contorted figure
with only parts of the body, arms, and legs displayed or emerging from the surface. In the mouth of the dragon is a
disembodied elbow, likely the remains of another figure it has devoured.

This image of a powerful guardian spirit is meant to protect the inhabitants and to show the status of the family.