Kenyah Dayak. East Kalimantan, Borneo Island, Indonesia.
Glass seed beads, linen cloth. H: 9.5" (24.1 cm), W: 15" (38.1 cm).

A rare baby carrier panel with embroidered motifs on a cloth background, instead of the more common net weave.
After more than 45 years of researching Borneo baby carriers and beadwork, examining multiple hundreds of pieces,
especially examples with beaded panels attached to the back of the rattan frame, I have come across only a half dozen
using this technique. All were in the Kenyah Dayak style and I suspect they were from the same village or region, as the
layout of the motifs and precise craftsmanship are very similar.

The motifs on this example represent mirrored images of multi-headed dragon figures, four heads on each side of the panel,
with a stylized "Janus" dragonhead in the center. The dragon motifs are skillfully applied, creating sinuously curled bodies with
appendages spiraling into the open spaces. Representing the Lower World, these protective dragon motifs were reserved for
wealthy noble families of high status. These panels, when attached to the back of baby carriers, were talismanic amulets meant
to protect the "sacred bundle" or baby from malevolent spirits.

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