Borneo - Dayak Woman's Ceremonial Beaded Skirt Panel - #182
Description:
Probably made in the late 19th century by the Maloh, a Dayak group in the Upper Kapuas river area of West Kalimantan, this large and sumptuous panel aligns 14 aso’ or “dragon-dog” motifs in two parallel rows. Alternatively, these motifs might depict other mythical beings of the watery underworld such as scorpions. In any case, the motifs function as talismanic evocations of feminine spirit beings that will protect mankind when properly invoked and respected. Small dots on the faces of the aso or scorpion motifs resemble eyes that enliven the creatures while endowing them with watchful alertness.
A masterpiece of figure-ground relations, this panel draws our eyes as much to the black negative spaces between motifs as to the motifs themselves. Keen observers may spot motifs reminiscent of faces, masks or heads depicted frontally or in profile.
This panel is made entirely of European glass beads plaited into an open-diamond lattice that adds 3 beads per stitch. A technique common in Borneo and across Indonesia, this open diamond technique has been practiced in many cultures around the world.
Additional photos available upon request.
Provenance:
Ex Collection Thomas Murray
Condition:
Excellent overall in every way, although approximately 8-10 white heart beads in various areas show signs of the chemical decomposition known as “glass disease.” If you wish to have these beads replaced, we will supply the matching replacement beads and recommend a specialist for the restoration work.
Dimensions:
Centimeters: 83 cm x 39 cm
Inches: 33.5” x 14.75”
Comparable Example:
Robyn J. Maxwell, Textiles of Southeast Asia: Tradition, Trade and Transformation. Australian National Gallery and Oxford University Press, Melbourne, New York, 1990. See Fig. 82, p. 61.
All Images Copyright Authentic Objects 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Description:
Probably made in the late 19th century by the Maloh, a Dayak group in the Upper Kapuas river area of West Kalimantan, this large and sumptuous panel aligns 14 aso’ or “dragon-dog” motifs in two parallel rows. Alternatively, these motifs might depict other mythical beings of the watery underworld such as scorpions. In any case, the motifs function as talismanic evocations of feminine spirit beings that will protect mankind when properly invoked and respected. Small dots on the faces of the aso or scorpion motifs resemble eyes that enliven the creatures while endowing them with watchful alertness.
A masterpiece of figure-ground relations, this panel draws our eyes as much to the black negative spaces between motifs as to the motifs themselves. Keen observers may spot motifs reminiscent of faces, masks or heads depicted frontally or in profile.
This panel is made entirely of European glass beads plaited into an open-diamond lattice that adds 3 beads per stitch. A technique common in Borneo and across Indonesia, this open diamond technique has been practiced in many cultures around the world.
Additional photos available upon request.
Provenance:
Ex Collection Thomas Murray
Condition:
Excellent overall in every way, although approximately 8-10 white heart beads in various areas show signs of the chemical decomposition known as “glass disease.” If you wish to have these beads replaced, we will supply the matching replacement beads and recommend a specialist for the restoration work.
Dimensions:
Centimeters: 83 cm x 39 cm
Inches: 33.5” x 14.75”
Comparable Example:
Robyn J. Maxwell, Textiles of Southeast Asia: Tradition, Trade and Transformation. Australian National Gallery and Oxford University Press, Melbourne, New York, 1990. See Fig. 82, p. 61.
All Images Copyright Authentic Objects 2024. All Rights Reserved.
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