Lot 6
Dayak War Shield Island of Borneo 19th/20th Century
Sold July 2, 2025
- Price realized
- $750
Price realized is the winning bid (hammer price) and excludes buyer’s premium.
About this lot
Estimated Value: $2,500-$3,500
Origin: Dayak/Iban sub group, Borneo (Kalimantan) Indonesia, 19th/20th Century
Dimensions: 16x48in
Condition: There is some ware to the back side handle and some of the hair is shorter in places.
Additional Information: A hand painted wood war shield with “aso” protective guardian spirits and decorated with human hair. The shield was made by the Dayak people of the Island of Borneo. The shield was used for battle and headhunting and was believed to ward off evil spirits. The shied has a painted face and designs on the front while the back has a painted design. The front is decorated with black hair placed in small rows. The hair comes from human heads of their slain enemies. The more hair on a shield would prove that one was a great headhunter. The back has a carved handle.
Reportedly, the provenance is Indonesian expert Jack Sadovnic, CA.
Lot details
- Lot
- 6
- Closed
- July 2, 2025
Related lots
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Passed
