Dayak Ritual Shrine Figure Borneo, 20th century Carved hardwood with deep natural patina This intimate shrine figure represents an ancestral guardian from the Dayak peoples of Borneo. The seated adult embraces a child, while a dog rests protectively at their feet — a powerful symbol of loyalty, guidance and spiritual protection within Dayak cosmology. The compact composition and serene facial expressions reflect the inner strength and continuity of lineage. Such figures were traditionally placed in domestic or village shrines, serving as intermediaries between the living and the ancestral world. The dog, often associated with vigilance and passage between realms, reinforces the protective function of the sculpture. The close physical embrace expresses both earthly care and spiritual safeguarding. The surface shows a warm, deep patina consistent with age and handling, suggesting prolonged ritual presence. A rare and emotionally resonant example of Dayak devotional carving. Packed with care Sending worldwide Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024 A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies. A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums   Google:Papua Blues Koos Knol