Carved with typically Dayak aso "dog dragon" motifs.
106.5 cm
Wood, remains of lacquer and pigment
Ngaju Dayak of Southern Borneo
Wood, pigments, lacquer
19th century
Ben Medze
Aalderink Oriental Art
Description
A fine ceremonial paddle of the Ngaju Dayak of Southern Borneo. Such paddles are associated with wedding ceremonies where the to-be-weds would at some point paddle off in a canoe.
This piece is beautifully and skillfully carved from a single piece of heavy, dark ironwood. The decorative motifs include floral scrolling patterns that bear influence from mainland Southeast Asia, with entangled fruit-bearing vines with stylized flowers.
The center of the blade is carved on each side with 6 shallow channels with a stylized flower in its center, the whole surrounded by floral borders. There are remains of a green pigment, suggesting it was one lacquered.
The handle is marked in white paint; "B/126", an inventory mark from previous owner Ben Medze.
In good condition, some chips off the wood here and there, see photos.
It comes with a nice custom iron stand to present the piece upright.
The Dayak paddle presented on its stand.
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Of typical South Borneo workmanship, but formed like a mandau from Kutai.
With a very fine Nepalese blade, but kard-like hilt and scabbard.