Old Dayak Maloh Shaman Mask – Ironwood

Culture: Dayak Maloh (Embaloh)

Origin: Borneo, West Kalimantan

Object: Shamanic Mask

Material: Carved Ironwood

Period: Estimated 1970s

Estimated Age: Approximately 50 years

Dimensions: H 28 × W 16 × D 5 cm

Weight: 382 g

Price include shipping worldwide via DHL.

(Stand is for photography purpose and not included in this listing)

An expressive old Dayak Maloh shaman mask, finely carved from dense ironwood, distinguished by its striking facial features and distinctive sculptural form. The face is characterised by a broad forehead with a subtle raised crest, deeply recessed circular eye openings, pronounced arched brows, an elongated nose and a wide mouth revealing individually carved teeth. Its intense expression gives the mask a powerful and somewhat enigmatic presence.

Within the traditionally stratified society of the Dayak Maloh, masks of this nature were associated with regional shamans, known as balian or manang, and were believed to play a role in spiritual healing, soul-catching ceremonies and protective rituals. The formidable facial expression was not intended simply to frighten human observers, but to confront and repel malevolent forces and illness-causing spirits, commonly referred to as hantu. Such masks reflect the important role of shamans in mediating between the human and spiritual worlds, particularly in matters of healing, protection and spiritual well-being.