Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, Eastern Kalimantan, Kayanic Dayak people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A cylindrical bamboo container with wooden anthropomorphic figures and stylized motifs across the body and lid. The vessel is tall, and the natural hollow bamboo stalk forms the interior storage cavity. Three figures projecting from the sides act as handles and guardian spirits. They are skillfully depicted in a sitting position upon an openwork shelf with bent legs and arms, and elongated faces. The sides of the container have three swirling low relief shapes. This swirling emblem is repeated on the lid and represents Buah Berinjan, a vine pattern. The lid has a tiered handle with a lotus bud finial, and fits snugly into the cylindrical vessel. This intricate container was used for storing medicinal plants or roots for the shaman to use during healing or magic rituals. The people along the sides represent warriors, and are known as guardian poles to protect the contents of the container. A very special piece! Size: 4.25" W x 11" H (10.8 cm x 27.9 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Hugh Gallagher Collection, acquired in Sarawak, Malaysia in 1982

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#162986

Lid is stiff, but comes off. Stable pressure fissures. Cracking and chipping to rattan fiber along bottom of vessel. Some surface abrasions and nicks to high pointed areas. Nice patina!