Borneo Dayak Embaloh Handheld Healing Mask

Borneo Dayak Embaloh Handheld Healing Mask

Culture: Dayak Embaloh, West Kalimantan, Borneo
Material: Carved wood with traces of original pigments
Dimensions: H 39 × W 29 × D 9 cm
Weight: 682 g
Period: Circa 1970s
Estimated age: Approximately 50 years

Price include shipping worldwide via DHL.

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

Description

A distinctive Dayak Embaloh handheld healing mask, carved from a single piece of wood and characterised by an expressive anthropomorphic face with prominent protruding ears, deeply recessed eyes and an unusually striking open mouth with an extended tongue.

The face retains traces of its original dark pigmentation, contrasted by weathered cream-coloured surface markings and reddish pigment around the eyes and mouth. These contrasting colours, together with the bold facial features, create an intense and somewhat otherworldly expression.

Particularly noteworthy is the elongated handle, which terminates in a sculptural form resembling a bird’s head. This subtle zoomorphic element adds another layer of visual interest, integrating human and animal imagery into a single ritual object.

Believed to have been associated with traditional healing practices, the handheld mask reflects the spiritual and ceremonial traditions of the Dayak Embaloh community. Its expressive features and distinctive handle suggest an object intended not merely as a representation of the human face, but as a ritual instrument connected with traditional beliefs concerning healing and the spiritual world.

With its aged surface, remnants of original pigments and unusual sculptural composition, this is an interesting example of Dayak ritual woodcarving from the mid-to-late 20th century.