Title
House pillar with aso carving
Year/Period
Early 20th century
Region
Mahakam River Basin, Eastern Borneo, Indonesia
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 153.5 x 43.5 x 41.5 cm
Accession No.
2015-00375
Collection of
This large wooden post bears the image of an aso, a mythological creature related to both the dragon and the dog. It is a protective creature believed to ward off evil spirits. The vigour of the carving, combined with the creature’s large eyes and menacing glare lend an air of alertness and menace that inspires confidence that malevolent forces are being kept at bay.
