Old Dayak Bidayuh Mandor Shaman Dance Mask

Old Dayak Bidayuh Mandor Shaman Dance Mask

Ethnic Group: Dayak Bidayuh
Sub-Region: Mandor District, Landak Regency, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Date: Late 19th – early 20th century
Material: Solid hardwood, natural black resin patina
Technique: Hand-carved from a single block
Condition: Structurally intact with deep surface patination, original wear consistent with ritual use

Description

This powerful ceremonial mask originates from the Bidayuh community of Mandor, Landak Regency, West Kalimantan. It represents a classic Bidayuh shamanic dance mask, carved in a bold and archaic style that reflects the pre-Christian spiritual cosmology of the Bidayuh people.

The face is deliberately austere and confrontational, characterized by:

• Prominent arched brow ridges

• Deeply recessed circular eye apertures

• A sharply projecting nose

• A gaping rectangular mouth with individually carved wooden teeth

• Squared lateral ear blocks—an identity marker of Mandor Bidayuh masks

The thick blackened patina results from prolonged exposure to ritual smoke, oils, and plant resins applied during repeated ceremonial use.

Ritual Function

This mask was worn by a Bidayuh balian (shaman) during trance dances connected to healing rites, spirit appeasement, and agricultural fertility ceremonies. The exaggerated facial features were intentionally designed to manifest ancestral and sky spirits (Topatn and Bariyukng) and to intimidate malevolent forces.

In Mandor tradition, such masks were not theatrical objects but were believed to be temporarily inhabited by protective spirits during ceremonies, making them ritually potent and highly respected.

Cultural Significance

Mandor Bidayuh masks are among the rarest and least documented Dayak ritual masks. Unlike Iban or Kayan mask traditions, Bidayuh masks emphasize archaic geometry, severe facial planes, and restrained ornamentation, preserving one of Borneo’s most ancient shamanic sculptural traditions.

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Stand is not included in the listing as for photography purpose only.