Unusual Dayak Ancestor Charm Relic from River Stone

Unusual Dayak Ancestor Charm Relic
Iban tribe, Borneo
Material: River stone
Dimensions: H 20 x 13 x 8 cm / 1.675 kg

This powerful stone carving depicts a seated ancestral figure holding a smaller figure in its lap — a representation often associated with protection, fertility, and the transmission of spiritual strength between generations. The larger figure’s calm yet solemn expression embodies the ancestral spirit’s watchful presence, while the smaller figure symbolizes offspring or a spirit under protection.

Intriguingly, a finely carved scorpion appears on the figure’s back — a potent Dayak symbol representing both defense against evil forces and the enduring power of transformation. The scorpion’s placement reinforces the object’s protective function, shielding its bearer or household from harm.

The figure sits cross-legged atop a coiled serpent motif, further emphasizing its connection to the underworld and ancestral power. The combination of human, animal, and spiritual elements reflects the Iban belief in the interwoven realms of the living, nature, and the unseen world.

Carved from dense river stone, the piece likely served as a personal or household talisman — an “antoh” charm invoked for guidance, fertility, and protection in times of ritual or transition. Its raw, tactile surface and organic form suggest both age and ceremonial use, embodying the spiritual energy of the river and the ancestral spirit it was meant to honor.

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