A rare Modang tool handle displaying a classic style figure surround by areas of incised design. Modang is a language spoken by four groups that live in eastern Kalimantan (Borneo). They are a distinct group of about 23,000 people once famed as aggressive headhunters. The design on this tool represents both the symbol of the aristocratic class (hepuy) and a form of protection against malevolent spirits (sekyah). It was used to work refined tasks.



Provenance: Private collection, collected in the 70’s