Borneo - Dayak Beaded Baby Carrier Panel #201
Description:
A spectacular example in every way, this beaded baby carrier panel depicts one or more mythical creatures known as aso’ or dragon-dog. While the panel’s upper area gives us a profile view of a single dragon with two heads, the lower area shows a frontal, mask-like view of a single dragon face. At least, that is one interpretation. Others are possible.
Likely made in the late 19th century by the Sebop people of Brunei - or a closely related group - this piece features European glass beads in shades of red, yellow and black.
The beader likely worked over a carved wood template board carved by a male specialist. She used European glass beads in shades of red, yellow and black as she added one bead a time, connecting a pair of threads with each stitch. When the panel was finished, it would have been attached to the back of a rattan baby carrier as a kind of spiritual shield against negative spirits seeking to cause the child harm.
Published:
Valerie Hector, “Evoking the Aso’: Dayak Beaded Baby Carrier Panels with Dragon-Dog Motifs.” In Beads: The Journal of the Society of Bead Researchers 34:3-21 (2022).
Condition:
Very good, with small areas of missing beadwork in the lower left and right corners.
Dimensions:
Coming soon.
Description:
A spectacular example in every way, this beaded baby carrier panel depicts one or more mythical creatures known as aso’ or dragon-dog. While the panel’s upper area gives us a profile view of a single dragon with two heads, the lower area shows a frontal, mask-like view of a single dragon face. At least, that is one interpretation. Others are possible.
Likely made in the late 19th century by the Sebop people of Brunei - or a closely related group - this piece features European glass beads in shades of red, yellow and black.
The beader likely worked over a carved wood template board carved by a male specialist. She used European glass beads in shades of red, yellow and black as she added one bead a time, connecting a pair of threads with each stitch. When the panel was finished, it would have been attached to the back of a rattan baby carrier as a kind of spiritual shield against negative spirits seeking to cause the child harm.
Published:
Valerie Hector, “Evoking the Aso’: Dayak Beaded Baby Carrier Panels with Dragon-Dog Motifs.” In Beads: The Journal of the Society of Bead Researchers 34:3-21 (2022).
Condition:
Very good, with small areas of missing beadwork in the lower left and right corners.
Dimensions:
Coming soon.