Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in Borneo, Indonesia
Borneo, home of the Dayak tribes is one of the largest islands in Indonesia, and is of volcanic origin. Their ancient belief system, like that across most of Indonesia, is Animistic – the belief that they are descendants of a bird/dragon/serpent. This is visually represented by the pervasive motifs in their art. Shaman are intrinsic to Dayak religion. They bring together the spirit world, the mortal world, and the underworld and thus serve to maintain the balance of life, protecting the community, and healing the sick. Although the Dayak are a peace loving people, they were historically feared by outsiders for their little understood practice of headhunting. In reality, a head is taken only after death during war, and is taken out of respect for the spirit.
The Shaman makes his own traveling medicine kit. It would typically contain items for healing, protections and predictions – such as special teeth, stones, herbs and other magical items. The figures on the exterior correspond to illnesses and other conditions or ailments. 17 ½” x 13” x 13”, $4800. SOLD
Used in healing rituals. 13” x ¾” x 8” x 6”, $390.
Used for healing rituals. The amulets correspond to various illnesses and conditions. 26” x 8” x 2 ½”, $2400. (see image below for detail)
For healing rituals. 6 ½” x 13” x 10”, $250.
Dimensions/Info Left to Right: (Early 20th c. Wood, 4 ¾” x 1 ½” x 1 ½”, $90.) ; (Late 19th to early 20th c, Wood, stopper for medicine bottle – 5” x 2 ½” x 1 ½”, $90.); (Mid 20th c, Wood, Stopper for shaman’s medicine container, 5 ¾” x 1” x 1 ¼”, $130.); ( Early 20th c. Wood, Used for healing a child, 3 ¼” x 1” x 1 ¾”, $85.) (ALL 4 SOLD)
Used for healing rituals. 4 ¾” x 4” x 5”. $70. SOLD
This is used by the shaman to contact the spirits for healing rituals. 16” x 6” x 5”, $1800.
This figure gives protection from harmful spirits. 35” x 21 ½” 8”, $1600.
Worn for healing and protection rituals 17 ½” x 2 ¾” x 1 ¾”, $450.
Zoomorphic or monkey figure amulet. $650 (sold as pair) Dimensions” (left – 7” x 1 ½” x 3 ¾”); (right – 7” x 1 ½” x ¾”) SOLD
Used for healing rituals. 14” x 8” x 4”, $560.
Used for healing and protection.20” x 4” x 2”, $800.
Kept in the shaman’s home for his protection. 28” x 6” x 5 ½”, $1900.
Used for healing treatments, 8 ¼” x 5” x 4”, $90. SOLD
Used to hold betel nuts as a ritual offering to the deities.
13” x 4 ½” x 5”, $1200.
Used in healing rituals. The figure corresponds to specific illness or conditions. Dimensions and prices left to right: (left – 7 ¾” x 5 ¾” x 4”, $220.); tall middle – 10 ½” x 6 ½” x 2 ½”, $160.) SOLD; (light middle – 7 ½” x 2” x 2”, $210.); (right – 8 ½” x 5” x 4”, $190.)
Shaman use these to protect themselves and villagers from evil creatures, 14” x 4 ¼” x 4”, $560.
Two sided figure. Used for healing rituals (double sided/two faces), 5” x 4 ½” x 4 ½”, $365.
Held in shaman’s hand during ritual for healing calling the spirits, 10 ½” x 4” x 3 ½”, $420.
Shaman made their own medicine kit backpacks to carry items for healing, protection and predictions such as special teeth, stones and other items. The healing amulet figures on the exterior correspond to illnesses and other conditions. 17” x 12 ½” x 15”, $3,900. (see below image for detail image of shoulder straps)
