Ceremonial Mask – Bidayuh Tribe, West Kalimantan, Borneo

Ceremonial Mask – Bidayuh Tribe, West Kalimantan, Borneo

This ceremonial wooden mask originates from the Bidayuh tribe, an indigenous Dayak community located in West Kalimantan, Borneo (Indonesia). Expertly hand-carved from a single piece of hardwood, the mask exemplifies the ritualistic artistry and spiritual heritage of the Bidayuh people.

Designed with exaggerated facial features, the mask features deep-set, hollowed eyes and a wide, gaping mouth filled with sharply carved triangular teeth — a visual language meant to invoke awe, fear, or reverence. The face is accentuated with bold pigments: a prominent white band around the cheeks and mouth contrasts with dark-painted brow ridges and crown, emphasizing its dramatic and intimidating appearance.

The mask’s top features a carved projection resembling a knot or bun, possibly symbolizing ceremonial headwear or status. The rear side reveals visible chisel marks, attesting to traditional carving techniques passed down through generations.

Such masks were traditionally used in communal rituals for protection, ancestral veneration, harvest celebrations, or rites of passage. For the Bidayuh, masks like this served not only as cultural expressions but also as spiritual conduits between the human and supernatural realms.

Origin: West Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia
Culture: Bidayuh (Dayak)
Material: Hand-carved wood, natural pigments
Function: Ceremonial use – likely in protection, harvest, or ancestral rites

H – 30 x 15 x 7 cm / 212 g

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