Title
Hornbill carving
Year/Period
Early-mid 20th century
Region
Sarebas River, Sarawak, Malaysia
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 79 x 99.7 cm
Accession No.
W-0744
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. S.T.V.B. Down
The hornbill is the most revered bird among the Dayaks, who believe that it is both a messenger from the deities and a good omen. According to Dayak legend, the designs that appear on elaborate hornbill carvings are supposed to be divinely inspired. This was a revered item that was used on ceremonial occasions. The 'Sangalang burong,' the brahmin kite, is believed to be the ancestor of the Ibans. During the gawai kenyalang, a festival held after the harvest in honour of sengalang and his messenger, the image is set up on a long pole with offerings of food and incantations.
