Seated figure "hampatong"
Description
wood (presumably iron wood), stained greyish brown patina, stocky broad body, the flat backside remained crude, missing parts through insect caused damage (headdress, belly, forearms, legs, the post hollowed inside), traces of weathering, cracks, sacrificial traces;
“hampatong” are placed in front of longhouse entrances or other places where malevolent spirits are likely to appear. They are also erected 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 erected 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.