Village Guardian Figure, One of a Pair

20th century

Not on view

One of a matched pair of male and female figures from northern Borneo. Carved from dark brown wood, the figures are shown in a squatting position with the hands grasping just beneath the knees. Both figures have a flat ridge which extends down from the ears towards the cheeks and chin. This border is perforated at regular intervals to accommodate bindings of plaited vegetable fiber. The eyes are set with circles of bone to animate them. The male figure is particularly distinctive, with long canine teeth that resemble the fangs of a carnivore. Both figures have a projection that extends from the center of the chest and ends in a rounded tip that is perforated at the end and has an integrally carved free hanging wood ring.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Village Guardian Figure, One of a Pair
Date: 20th century
Geography: Indonesia, Borneo
Culture: Dayak people
Medium: Wood, bone, fiber
Dimensions: H. 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm)
Classification: Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Fred and Rita Richman, 2013
Object Number: 2013.1137.12.1
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

More Artwork

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Bis Pole, Wood, paint, fiber, Asmat people — Bis Pole
Asmat people
late 1950s

Hornbill Figure, Wood, paint, glass beads, metal, Iban people — Hornbill Figure
Iban people
late 19th–early 20th century

Hornbill Figure (Kenyalang), Wood, tradecloth, fiber, copper coins, paint, plastic, iron nails, Iban people — Hornbill Figure (Kenyalang)
Iban people
mid to late 20th century

Hornbill Figure (Kenyalang), Wood, cloth, fiber, copper coins, paint, Iban people — Hornbill Figure (Kenyalang)
Iban people
mid to late 20th century

Hornbill Figure (Kenyalang), Wood, paint, hair, glass beads, fiber, cloth, plastic, feathers, Iban people — Hornbill Figure (Kenyalang)
Iban people
mid to late 20th century

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.