Dayak Benanak Wild Boar Mask

Wild Boar Mask (Topeng Babi Hutan)
Ethnic Group: Dayak Benanak
Region: West Kalimantan, Borneo
Period: Early–Mid 20th Century
Materials: Hand-carved hardwood, natural mineral pigments, fiber binding
Dimensions: 42 × 42 × 17 cm
Weight: 1 kg

This striking ceremonial mask represents the wild boar, an animal of major symbolic and ritual importance among the Dayak Benanak people of West Kalimantan. The boar is regarded as a guardian spirit, a symbol of forest abundance, fertility, courage, and martial strength, and frequently appears in ritual performances connected to agricultural rites, healing ceremonies, and warrior traditions.

The mask is carved from a single block of dense tropical hardwood and features an elongated, forward-projecting snout with deeply hollowed nostrils, evoking the heightened sensory power attributed to the wild boar in Dayak cosmology. Prominent almond-shaped eyes are recessed beneath arched brows, giving the mask an alert and vigilant expression. Large flared ears extend outward on both sides, reinforcing the animal’s role as a vigilant forest guardian.

Original red and earth-toned mineral pigments remain visible across the surface, forming geometric facial zones and accentuating anatomical features. The lower jaw is articulated, creating an open-mouthed appearance that would have enhanced dramatic movement during ritual dances. Traces of fiber lashings remain along the jaw hinge, indicating its former functional use in performance.

Surface wear, pigment erosion, and patina attest to prolonged ceremonial handling and ritual deployment rather than decorative manufacture. The mask embodies both spiritual and social authority and would have been worn by ritual specialists or designated performers during community ceremonies intended to invoke protection, agricultural success, and ancestral blessing.

Price include shipping worldwide by DHL .

Stand is not included in the listing as for photography purpose only.