Dayak Iban Hunting Charm Tun-Tun Pig Trap

The Dayak Iban people of Borneo are well-known for their spiritual beliefs and artistry, which are deeply embedded in their daily lives, rituals, and tools. One fascinating artifact linked to their hunting practices is the Tun-Tun, a charm or totem associated with their hunting activities.

A Tun-Tun could serve multiple symbolic purposes, including invoking spiritual aid for successful hunts, warding off negative energies, or even acting as a guide to attract animals. The monkey-like figure sitting on a snake on such a charm is particularly intriguing and rich with symbolism:

Symbolism:

1. Monkey Figure: The monkey is often seen as a clever, nimble, and resourceful animal. Among the Iban, it could symbolize agility or adaptability—traits needed by hunters. The monkey might also serve as a spirit-guide animal, linking the hunter to the forest’s energy.
2. Snake: Snakes are powerful symbols in many Dayak cultures, often representing wisdom, danger, and spiritual potency. A snake might signify the balance between life and death, a concept intimately connected to hunting. It could also embody the unseen forces or spirits of the jungle.
3. Monkey on a Snake: This imagery could symbolize harmony or dominance over potentially conflicting forces. The figure might represent the balance a hunter needs to achieve with nature—using cunning (monkey) and respecting danger (snake).
4. Tun-Tun’s Role in Pig Trapping: The charm could have been used to bless or consecrate traps for wild boars, a key food source. Wild boars are both revered and hunted, and invoking spiritual protection or favor was essential for ensuring a successful and safe hunt. From Early 1900s (collected in the early 1980s from private collection in Kuching.)