Dayak (possibly Tunjung). Kalimantan, Borneo Island, Indonesia.
Hardwood. H: 78.5” (199.4 cm), W: 10.75” (27.3 cm), D: 4” (10.2 cm).

The figure is a hermaphrodite, exhibiting both male and female genitalia. The phallus is just below and pointing up to the female sex. Hermaphrodite's are considered powerful individuals in Dayak communities and are often elevated to high status as shaman’s and healers. A sculpture of this type would have represented a powerful and important spirit. There are hooks at the top, that likely held baskets (on straps) with offerings, medicines, and possibly trophy skulls. There are also numerous cut marks across the surface. It was common for Dayak warriors to hit or cut across certain carved figures with their swords, prior to going to battle or on a headhunting raid, to bring them good fortune. I believe this figure was used in this way, which also strengthens my belief that trophy skulls and/or other powerful medicines and offerings were hung from those hooks. The figure itself is wonderful and quirky, with elongated neck, torso and arms and oddly crossed legs. The right hand is either partially covering or hold the phallus. The face has a intriguingly sly smile. And there is an carved image of a large amulet around the neck.

I believe the mate to this figure is currently in the collection of the Fowler Museum at UCLA. It is the same form as the piece below, with the same post at the top and at the bottom. It has the same hooks at the top. It is the same size and same surface, only with a different image, that of a lizard or crocodile. I can imagine these two pieces flanking the sides of a ritual doorway or altar, with one showing this powerful shamanic figure featured, the other a powerful animal spirit. It is not uncommon for pieces from the same place to come out together, but were not kept together for resale.