Bidding platform
Consign

Lot 162

Dayak Beaded Baby Carrier From Borneo

Live — closing Oct 29 at 1:15 pm ET

Estimate
$500–$800
Starting bid
$150
Bid on this lot

Bidding happens on our secure bidding site. Prices here were updated Oct 11 at 1:30 am ET; the bidding site always shows the latest. Bid from your phone with the complimentary Blue Box Auction Gallery app.

About this lot

Country of Origin: Borneo

Period: Early-to-Mid 20th Century

Medium: Rattan or bamboo, hardwood, plant fiber, trade cloth, glass trade beads, bells, shells, and animal teeth.

Dimensions: Approx. 13 x 7 x 14 in.

Condition: Cloth is worn and discolored, some parts of the basket is frayed.

Additional Information: Traditional Dayak baby carrier from Borneo, constructed with a semicircular basket framework woven from split rattan or bamboo in a tight herringbone pattern. A solid carved hardwood base provides a rigid seat, while broad braided plant-fiber straps extend along the sides for carrying the infant on the back.

The upper rim and borders are trimmed with bands of colored textile in green and orange tones. The front is further decorated with strands of large blue-and-white marbled glass trade beads and an elaborate beaded panel worked against a dark ground.

The densely executed intricate beadwork incorporates white, yellow, red, green, and other colored glass seed beads arranged in symmetrical geometric and scrolling motifs. Dayak baby carriers were traditionally decorated with beads, bells, shells, teeth, and other amuletic elements that could serve protective and symbolic functions. Such ornamentation is associated with traditional beliefs concerning the protection and well-being of infants. The style is associated with Indigenous Dayak communities of Borneo. 

Lot details

Lot
162
Category
Historical Objects › Primitive Cultures
Estimate
$500–$800
Starting bid
$150
Bids
0
Bidding closes
Oct 29 at 1:15 pm ET
Starting bid $150
Bid on this lot

Tap the photo to zoom

Thinking of selling? Start with a complimentary auction estimate.

Send a few photos of a single piece, a collection, or a whole estate. A specialist replies with an estimate and a plan, with no obligation.

Get a complimentary estimate
Call (757) 550-0285