Dayak Kenyah Deity Mask for Ceremonies

Dayak Kenyah Deity Mask for Ceremonies 

This striking ceremonial mask, carved by the Kenyah people of Borneo, embodies the spiritual intensity and artistic mastery of Dayak culture. Created from a single piece of lightweight tropical wood, the mask is a vivid portrayal of a powerful deity or protective spirit, traditionally used in sacred ceremonies and communal rituals.

The face of the mask is dramatically expressive: the most immediate features are the large, round eyes, rendered in an intense yellow hue with deep red circular rims. The eyes bulge outward, conveying a perpetual, supernatural vigilance — an all-seeing presence meant to ward off malign influences during rituals. The pupils, punctuated with a central black dot, create an unsettling yet captivating gaze.

The mouth is carved open in a ferocious snarl, the lips outlined with a deep red band, exaggerating the grimace. Inside, meticulously carved and painted teeth are exposed in a tight, predatory row — their uneven yet deliberate shaping evokes a sense of primal power and ferocity, characteristics essential for a guardian spirit.

The nose is sharply angular, its exaggerated ridges painted with alternating black and ochre tones, suggesting stylized feral features. Above the nose, a third-eye motif is subtly embedded in the forehead, symbolizing heightened spiritual perception and connection to the divine realms.

The overall background of the mask is painted a deep, lustrous black, serving as a canvas for intricate swirling motifs in ochre yellow. These motifs—stylized vines and cloud-like forms—flow symmetrically along the cheeks, forehead, and chin. Their fluidity contrasts with the rigid ferocity of the facial features, symbolizing the balance between chaos and order, aggression and wisdom in Dayak cosmology.

The sides of the mask extend in elegant curves, almost horn-like, enhancing the mask’s dramatic silhouette. The elongated chin tapers downward, emphasizing verticality and giving the deity a towering, imposing presence when worn.

Minor details, such as subtle incised lines on the cheeks and temple areas, add texture and depth, suggesting veins of spiritual energy coursing through the being. The mask’s polished surface, despite its evident age and ritual use, still holds a sheen that speaks of reverence and careful preservation.

In performance, the mask would have been paired with elaborate costumes and dance movements, bringing the spirit it represents to life amid the thundering rhythms of drums and chants.

Materials: Hand-carved wood, natural and mineral pigments
Origin: Kenyah Tribe, East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century

H – 37 x 21 x 12 cm / 560 g

Price include shipping by air parcel.

( stand is not include )