Village Guardian Figure, One of a Pair
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.
