Iban Dayak. Sarawak State, Borneo Island, Malaysia.
Wood, pigments. H: 45.25" (114.9 cm). L: 90" (228.6 cm), wing W: 13" (33 cm).

Extra large-size and elaborately carved example of a hornbill effigy "Kenyalang". There are human figures on the tail,
images of birds, fish and serpents in the mid-section, double twisted serpents along the top of the beak, with another serpent
curled up inside the end of the mouth. The figure rides on the backs of two dragons.

During times of war and head hunting, the hornbill effigy represented the Iban war god and was brought out before raids
so the spirit of the Kenyalang could weaken the enemy ahead of the attack. After head hunting was banned by the colonial
authority, the Iban transitioned the use of the hornbill for the harvest ceremony. After hours of chanting and decorating the effigy
with offerings of money and cigarettes, the hornbill would be erected on the top of a post just outside the longhouse. The hornbill
has always represented a sacred upper world omen bird and their spirits would be consulted before making important life decisions.

For price or additional information, please email your request, with inventory number and title description, to: majtribal@gmail.com.