standing figure "hampatong" ·  Indonesia - Borneo, Dayak · ID: 3035696

Description

wood (presumably iron wood), greyish brown patina, with overlong arms and large head, strong traces of weathering, bleached, cracks, lichen in some areas, missing parts through insect caused damage (headcrest), base;
many Dayak groups carve anthropomorphic ancestral figures, generically called “hampatong. There is a tremendous stylistic range in these sculptures, and specific function and use vary according to the ethnic group.
“Hampatong” are placed in front of longhouse entrances or other places where malevolent spirits are likely to appear. They are also errected in shrine areas “tajahan”, which is a small sacred area containing a sacrificial shrine surrounded by “hampatong”. There are two kinds of “tajahan”, one set up in connection with headhunting and another for mortuary feasts. At a mortuary feast a “hampatong” is set up for each dead person. “Hampatong” are thus images of named ancestors. They are also errected in the village square in a sanctuary “pataho” in front of the chiefs residence. The “pataho” is described as a masculine village guardian against danger and approaching enemies.

Comparing literature

Feldman, Jerome, The eloquent dead, Los Angeles 1985, p. 118 f.