INDONESIA, Borneo - Dayak Culture - Lot 287

INDONESIA, Borneo - Dayak Culture A totem statue of an ancestor known as a "hampatong," carved from a single piece of wood; it depicts an anthropomorphic figure with its tongue sticking out between its teeth, arms at its sides, hands clasped beneath the chest, in a seated position, with a feline perched atop its skull. Dimensions (with base): 192 cm Provenance: Private collection in Paris. Cracks and minor wear and tear. Notes: These statues generally represent ancestors, village chiefs, warriors, or protective spirits. In the Dayak tradition, these statues serve an important spiritual and symbolic function. They are often placed at the entrance to villages, near longhouses, sacred sites, or burial grounds to protect the inhabitants from evil spirits and harmful influences. Hampatong also play a role in religious ceremonies and traditional rituals. In these contexts, they serve as a link between the world of the living and that of the ancestors, from whom the Dayak seek protection, guidance, or blessings. Some statues are also erected to honor a deceased important figure or to commemorate a significant event in the community.