Dayak. Headhunters of Borneo
Under the cover of one of the world’s oldest rainforests, along the rivers and on the hillsides of a biosphere of incredible diversity, the some 200 ethnic subgroups of the Dayak developed their own very diverse culture. Despite a plenitude of dialects, laws and customs, these disparate tribes shared distinguishing characteristics – profound animist beliefs and headhunting tactics and rituals. The exhibition aims at retracing the history of this incredible culture immersing the audience into this rich culture and equally rich biosphere, a strange, new world for most of the western world.
A very unique exhibition of ca. 100 original artifacts belonging to the Museum of Cultures of Lugano, Switzerland, exploring the immense, mysterious island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world and home to the fierce, independent, headhunter tribes of the Dayaks. The exhibition is one of the first in the world ever dealing with this topic, an extraordinary opportunity to learn about this island, this habitat, these people and their truly singular culture.
Themes
- Dayak: an Historical Review
- Borneo: Flora, Fauna & Endangered Species
- The Spirit World: Animist Religious Concepts
- The Headhunter Culture: Warriors and Rituals
- The Longhouse and Dayak Tribal Life
- The Dayak Today
Contents
- Ca. 100 original artifacts
- Including: sculptures
- Ceremonial vests and masks
- Architectural elements
- Arms
- Musical instruments.
Relevance
One of the first exhibitions ever dealing with the incredible and extraordinary culture of the Dayak.
Size
400-600 sq.mt
Exhibition Views
Original Artworks
Patunkng
Deity crouching on a gong
19th – 20th century
Wood
Pantak
Sculpture depicting a high-ranking ancestor
19th – 20th century
Wood
Group of sculptures depicting various spirits
19th – 20th century
Wood
Hudoq
Ceremonial mask
Second half 20th century
Wood, metal, plant fibers, feathers
Katambong
Ceremonial drum decorated with floral motifs
19th- 20th century
Wood, leather, plant fibers, pigment
Amak Daré
Ceremonial mat used to depose the deceased before burial
19th- 20th century
Rattan, plant pigments
Door section
Decorated in relief with depiction of anthropomorphic divinity, concentric hands and feet in form of ‘dragon-dog.’
Half 20th century
Wood
Rawayang
Ceremonial spear
18th-19th century
Wood, metal, horn
Baby carrier, finely carved in relief depicting protective divinity
Half 20th century
Wood
Sapuyung daré
Ceremonial Hat
Bamboo, rattan, pigment, hair, buttons
20th century
Sapundu
Ceremonial Pole Depicting a Couple.
Wood
19th century