Sculpture Essentials Collection

This sophisticated artwork emanates a profound expressive charge, likely serving as a potent amulet with its unique and exceptional design. The wand holds an air of enigmatic symbolism, capturing the cultural depth and significance within the Benuaq Dayak tradition. Its powerful presence and intricate craftsmanship make it truly one-of-a-kind.

Priced at CHF 600 and cataloged under inventory number BO.10.026, this Anthropomorphic Wand offers a rare opportunity to connect with the rich artistic heritage and spiritual beliefs of the Benuaq Dayak people. A masterpiece of artistry and symbolism, this wand stands as a testament to the cultural uniqueness and expressive depth of the Benuaq Dayak community.

Tuntuns exhibit a diverse array of figures on their tops, each inspired by dream experiences. This particular piece boasts a bulky body with a distinct monkey-like face, evoking a sense of mystique and spiritual significance. A similar work can be found in Patong (p. 165), further attesting to the cultural relevance and importance of such artifacts.

The open mouth of the divinity figure serves as a powerful representation, calling out to the wild pig and deer, enticing them towards the hunter's trap. This bewitching stick embodies the essence of traditional hunting practices, where belief in the aid of divine forces plays a vital role in the pursuit of success.

This Tuntun is a fascinating testament to the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the local community. Its craftsmanship and symbolism provide a glimpse into the intricate interplay between dreams, artistry, and hunting rituals among the indigenous people of the region.

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The animal's body is uniquely rendered with a simplification and geometric style, adding to its distinctive appearance. The conception of this sculpture draws inspiration from the renowned "Picasso-Aso," a recognized example of this artistic tradition previously showcased at the Tribal Art Fair in New York.

As a symbol of protection and power, the Aso' stands as a guardian figure in the Ibanic Dayak cultural context, embodying strength and watchfulness. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in this sculpture speak to the deep reverence and significance of mythical beings within the Dayak community.

As documented in "Hornbill and Dragon" (pp. 142-143), quivers like this were once widespread among both nomadic tribes and hunters from settled communities. During hunting expeditions, men would attach these quivers to their loincloths, carrying their darts which were fired through long blowpipes.

What sets this quiver apart is the artful weaving of rattan that decorates and protects the surface of the lid, securing it to the bamboo cylinder. The lamp black patina covering the surface adds to its visual appeal and historical charm.

Elaborately carved worktops like this hold significant cultural importance and are commonly used by women. They are well-documented in various catalogues, books, and collections of Dayak art. Two notable references, "Hornbill and Dragon" (p. 178) and "The Eloquent Dead" (p. 107), present different kinds of kapang ai.

The intricate fretwork and engravings on this worktop showcase the artistic expertise of the Modang Dayak people. The mythical dragon-dog design carries cultural symbolism and significance, adding to the visual allure of the piece.
This Modang Dayak Worktop provides a captivating connection to the artistic heritage and traditional activities of East Borneo. A masterpiece of artistry and cultural expression, this worktop stands as a testament to the rich traditions and craftsmanship of the Modang Dayak community.

Kelulongs hold a significant rarity, and this magic wand is a remarkable representation, similar to the classical kelulongs. The standing figure on the wand is characterized by a very long tongue protruding from its mouth and reaching across the torso, adding to its peculiar and distinctive appearance.

Unlike Iban magic hunting wands, kelulongs were placed next to traps for three nights and three days, with the belief that they would attract prey to the trap through their magical properties.

This particular kelulong is documented and described in detail in Patong (p. 167), standing as a unique and valuable piece of cultural heritage from the Tunjung Dayak community.
Priced at CHF 1,800 and cataloged under inventory number BO.HE.10A, this Tunjung Dayak Magic Hunting Wand offers a captivating insight into the rich traditions and beliefs surrounding hunting practices in East Borneo. A rare and exceptional representation of kelulongs, this wand stands as a testament to the mystical elements interwoven into the Tunjung Dayak culture.

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The top of the Tuntun showcases several different figures, each deriving inspiration from dream experiences, contributing to its mystical allure. Its flat and markedly rectangular body is characterized by a simplified and geometric rendering, hinting at the intriguing connection between ethnic art and avant-garde artists of the twentieth century.

The large spherical head with sketched-in lineaments is connected to the flat rectangular torso by a long cylindrical neck, adding to the unique and enigmatic appearance of the Tuntun. Its open mouth serves as a powerful representation, calling out to the pig and enticing it into the trap, highlighting the magical properties attributed to the wand in hunting practices.

Exhibiting a rich history as part of a private collection, this Iban Dayak Tuntun is available for purchase at CHF 2,000 and cataloged under inventory number BO.HE.10D. This artifact offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural symbolism and artistic expressions of the Iban Dayak community in West Borneo. A testament to the rich traditions and beliefs surrounding hunting rituals, this Tuntun holds a profound and mystical significance in the cultural heritage of the region.

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This teakwood panel is a captivating representation of Madura's artistic traditions and showcases the seamless blend of nature-inspired motifs with mythical symbolism. Its flowering design and dragon head edge offer a mesmerizing visual appeal, making it a stunning addition to any art collection or interior decor.

The craftsmanship of this wooden panel from Madura embodies the creativity and cultural significance that have been passed down through generations. It stands as a testament to the artistic legacy of Maduran artisans and the enduring beauty of their creations.

One of the distinctive features of Karapan Sapi is the "kaleles," a sturdy bamboo construction on which the jockeys stand while riding the bulls. The "kaleles" is securely tied to the bull's hump, providing a stable platform for the jockey to stand on and skillfully steer the bull using a rope.

Intricately carved onto the "kaleles," you will find the date and year of the event, with "2605" marking 26th May, and "61" representing the year 1961. These carvings hold historical significance and reflect the memorable moments of past races, honoring the rich tradition and history of Karapan Sapi.

The "kaleles" is an impressive example of Indonesian ingenuity and resourcefulness, as it is entirely made from locally sourced bamboo. Despite the incredible forces and speeds involved in the race, this bamboo platform showcases the craftsmanship and engineering prowess of Indonesian culture.

As a symbol of cultural heritage and a vital element of the dynamic Karapan Sapi event, the Madura Kaleles stands as a remarkable testament to the interplay between tradition, craftsmanship, and the indomitable spirit of Indonesian culture.

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The wooden handle of the whip is a work of art in itself, depicting a divinity in a rounded square form. Given the significance of horses in Timorese socio-economic organization, the whip's design may symbolize the higher status or function of its owner or have connections to specific ceremonial or ritual uses. The divinity figure on the handle reflects the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Belu people, adding an element of reverence and symbolic importance to the whip.

The whip's lash is skillfully crafted from woven leather strips, ensuring its durability and functionality. While riding whips are common tools, this particular example stands out as a beautiful and rare artifact. Decorated with the representation of a divine figure, it is one of few handles known to be adorned with such intricate and meaningful imagery.

As a unique and captivating piece of Timorese craftsmanship, this Belu Horse Riding Whip showcases the artistic expression and cultural heritage of the Belu people. It stands as a testament to the rich traditions and beliefs associated with horses and their symbolic role in Timor Island's cultural fabric.

The wooden handle of the whip features a divinity depicted in a rounded square form, exemplifying the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Belu people. Horses hold great importance in Timorese socio-economic organization, and the design of the whip may symbolize the higher status or function of its owner, or it could have connections to specific ceremonial or ritual purposes. The presence of the divine figure on the handle adds a sense of reverence and symbolic significance to the whip.

The lash of the whip is skillfully crafted from woven leather strips, ensuring durability and functionality during use. While riding whips are commonly utilized, this particular example stands out as a beautiful and rare artifact. Adorned with a representation of a divine figure, very few handles were decorated with such intricate and meaningful imagery, making this piece truly unique.

As a testament to Timor Island's artistic expression and cultural heritage, this Belu Horse Riding Whip exemplifies the rich traditions and beliefs associated with horses and their profound role in the cultural fabric of the Belu people. Its aesthetic and cultural significance make it an extraordinary piece for those who appreciate the artistry and symbolism of Timorese craftsmanship.