Hampatong miniature – Borneo – ex Alain Wilket - Dayak - Indonesia (No Reserve Price)

Ex collection Alain Wilket - Belgium. Small hampatong (protective figure) in carved wood, originating from Borneo (Kalimantan, Indonesia), attributable to the Dayak peoples (Ngaju / Kayan / Kenyah).

The figure depicts a crouching character, hands resting on the knees, a typical posture of hampatong used as protectors or ritual markers.
The face features characteristics of Dayak sculptures: prominent brow ridges, a marked mouth, and eyes inlaid with a light-colored material.

The top of the skull is adorned with a small ancient patterned bead, a common ritual addition in Dayak art.
The lower part is surrounded by a fiber braiding around a metal tube, traditionally used to reinforce the base and for handling.

Deep patina, dark polished wood, old signs of use.