Island Treasures Collection

Home Gallery

Island Treasures Collection

A captivating assortment of cultural artifacts that evoke the beauty and rich heritage of East Borneo and Timor Island. Discover a curated selection of items, including a baby carrier from East Borneo and exquisite jewelry from Timor Island. Each piece in this collection reflects the unique craftsmanship, cultural significance, and natural splendor of these islands. Immerse yourself in the allure of these Island Treasures and uncover the stories and traditions woven into each remarkable work of art.

All collection Symbolic Enchantments Sculpture Essentials Artistic Woodcrafts Divine Artistry Masked Marvels Woven Legacies Island Treasures Resonant Rhythms Collected Treasures

Benuaq Dayak Baby Carrier with Statuettes

Step into the cultural heritage of the Benuaq Dayak with this exquisite rattan baby carrier adorned with intricate decorations. This carrier showcases a stunning array of amulets, each representing divinities, along with bronze bells and bear teeth, adding to its allure.

Specifications
  • Ethnic: Dayak Benuaq
  • Material: Wood, rattan, beads, fangs, shells
  • Dimensions: 29 × 36 × 17 cm
  • Inv. BO.10.035

    • Similar baby carriers with comparable designs have been well-documented in various volumes, such as Expedition (pp. 51-58), Hornbill and Dragon (pp. 182, 184-185), and The Brignoni Collection (p. 93). However, this particular baby carrier stands out for its unique black decorative motif on the rattan back. Moreover, what makes it truly exceptional are the nine anthropomorphic amulets, a rare and precious find.

    This baby carrier was collected in its original setting, adding to its historical and cultural significance. It provides a window into the traditions and beliefs of the Benuaq Dayak people, offering a glimpse into their world of spiritual reverence and protective rituals.

    Learn More

    Island Treasures Collection

    JAM ART Collection

    Baby Carrier

    Step into the enchanting world of the Kayanic Dayak complex with this captivating baby carrier, a true masterpiece of intricate artistry. Crafted with meticulous care, this carrier boasts a rattan back, masterfully woven in reverse, showcasing the skill of the artisans.

    Specifications
  • Ethnic: Kayanic Dayak complex
  • Material: Wood, rattan, bronze, beads, wild boar fangs, carbon black
  • Dimensions: 36 × 51 × 24 cm
  • Price: CHF 2'000.-
  • Inv. BO.HE.002

    • Made from a combination of wood, rattan, bronze, beads, and wild boar fangs, this basket exudes elegance and cultural significance. The careful arrangement of beautiful pearls, shells, and bronze pendants, along with the protective boar tusks, serves both as embellishment and as guardians, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the cherished newborn.

    This baby carrier stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region, embodying age-old traditions and the deep affection for the little ones in the Kayanic Dayak community. As you admire this exquisite piece, let it transport you to a world where art and tradition intertwine, preserving the love and care bestowed upon each new life.

    Learn More

    Island Treasures Collection

    JAM ART Collection

    The Enchanting Pectoral Disc: A Symbol of Status and Connection

    Embark on a journey of fascination as we explore the captivating allure of the hand-beaten pectoral disc from Timor Island, skillfully crafted from a gleaming silver alloy. This exquisite disc boasts a central motif delicately etched in shallow lines, depicting either the radiant sun or the ethereal morning star. The motif gracefully connects to protruding bosses, creating a mesmerizing design. Encircling the central motif is a larger decorative pattern of intricate geometric figures, possibly representing celestial bodies.

    Specifications
  • Origin: Timor Island
  • Material: Silver, metal alloy
  • Diameter: 20 cm
  • Price: contact for price
  • Inv. T.14.004

    • Embark on a journey of fascination as we explore the captivating allure of the hand-beaten pectoral disc from Timor Island, skillfully crafted from a gleaming silver alloy. This exquisite disc boasts a central motif delicately etched in shallow lines, depicting either the radiant sun or the ethereal morning star. The motif gracefully connects to protruding bosses, creating a mesmerizing design. Encircling the central motif is a larger decorative pattern of intricate geometric figures, possibly representing celestial bodies.

    Pectoral discs held immense significance as symbols of status, bestowing recognition upon individuals for their wealth and esteemed position within the community. Beyond their role as status symbols, these discs also served as markers of social bonds, including unions through marriage and alliances in the political sphere. Wearing these ornate discs during ceremonial events, whether singularly or in multiples, conveyed a sense of prestige and a deep connection to the cultural heritage of the community.

    The craftsmanship of the pectoral disc showcases not only artistic mastery but also profound cultural symbolism. The intricate design, with its central motif and surrounding celestial patterns, evokes a sense of celestial beauty and cosmic harmony. The shimmering silver alloy enhances its aesthetic allure, adding to the sense of divine elegance.

    By adorning oneself with a pectoral disc, individuals proudly displayed their status and embraced their role within the community. These discs became embodiments of personal identity, cultural heritage, and the intricate web of social connections that define human relationships.
    Witness the radiant beauty of the pectoral disc, a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and cultural significance of Timor Island. Let its celestial motifs and intricate designs transport you to a realm where art and symbolism intertwine, evoking a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of human connections and the timeless pursuit of status and belonging.

    Island Treasures Collection

    JAM ART Collection