1113 Rare Antique Dayak Borneo Baby Carrier With Sea Shells

Superbly decorated baby carrier from Borneo / Kalimantan

The sea shells have been arranged in the pattern of a spiirit meant for the protection of the child. Also has a tiger bell and hand made trade beads.

The basic mat structure is covered by an Ikat woven Pua Kumbu cloth.

For carrying a baby / child upto 3 years of age , the baby carrier is positioned upfront to allow breast feeding.

Likely origin:  the Orang Ulu or the Maloh people

Rare.

Height 33cm

Estimated to be from the early 1900s

LITERATURE REFERENCE : Photographs of baby carriers being used in real life may be seen on pages 55-56 of the book titled “Borneo – A photographic Journey” by Dennis Lau

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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

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