Dayak shields

[Sentrad]

Here is one of my Borneo shields: Max. length 131,7 cm; length of side edges 102,2 cm / 103,2 cm; length of handle 31,7 cm; max. width 31,7 cm.
Provenance: French Collection.
Udo

[Sentrad]

Max. length 106,2 cm; length of side edges 69,1 cm / 86,4 cm; length of handle 31,7 cm; max. width 29,7 cm.

This shield looks nice, but there are l a lot of shields in this fantastic thread, which are much more spectacular. However, its provenience is interesting, it belonged to the daughter of the Dutch Ethnologist H. F. Tillema, who travelled and filmed in the Apo Kajan region. A few copies of his films still exist. He wrote a book on his travelling:
Tillema, H. F.
A Journey Among the Peoples of Central Borneo in Word and Picture
Singapore 1989, Oxford University Press (Original titel ‘Apo-Kajan. Een Filmreis naar en door Centraal-Borneo’, Amsterdam 1938, van Munsters Uitgevers).

Udo

[Dajak]

Old shield.

[Albert]

I am working on a book (text in Dutch): "Traditionele wapens van Borneo. De uitrusting van de koppensnellers" ("Traditional weapons of Borneo. The equipment of the headhunters").

Part I: "Schilden en krijgskleding" ("Shields and war clothing") is forthcoming in 2015. Approximately 110 pages on shields (with 130 photos / illustrations).

I will let you know what the publication date will be.

[VANDOO]

NICE SHIELD DAJAK ANY CHANCE OF A BETTER PICTURE OF THE DESIGN ON THE FRONT. FROM WHAT I CAN SEE THE DESIGN ON THE FRONT LOOKS UNLIKE MOST OF THE DESIGNS WE USUALLY SEE ON THESE SHIELDS.
I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR BOOK ALBERT IT SOUNDS GOOD.

[Dajak]

This is the best pic off the shield Vandoo....

Ben

Originally Posted by VANDOO

NICE SHIELD DAJAK ANY CHANCE OF A BETTER PICTURE OF THE DESIGN ON THE FRONT. FROM WHAT I CAN SEE THE DESIGN ON THE FRONT LOOKS UNLIKE MOST OF THE DESIGNS WE USUALLY SEE ON THESE SHIELDS.
I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR BOOK ALBERT IT SOUNDS GOOD.

[ethelwulf]

Greetings,

I recently came in possession of a Dayak Hair Shield (although admittedly mine is in rough condition).

I acquired it from a woman in her 80’s who said that her father had been given it by a friend who either brought it back from the war or was presented it?

As far as I can figure it’s an mid to late 19th Century Dayak Kenyah Hair Shield. It matches up closely to a shield sketched in the book “Pagan Tribes of Borneo”.

It measures roughly 49”x14”

The shield clearly lived a rough life before coming into my care. It has a crack on the bottom, some old termite damage on one side and obviously some hair loss but the design is still clear and stunning especially on the reverse of the shield.

Any information or possible valuation you could offer would be much appreciated

[Dajak]

Hi Albert,

I just finished my own book with pics off rare dajak weapons and other stuff, see pic off it!!




Ben

Originally Posted by Albert

I am working on a book (text in Dutch): "Traditionele wapens van Borneo. De uitrusting van de koppensnellers" ("Traditional weapons of Borneo. The equipment of the headhunters").

Part I: "Schilden en krijgskleding" ("Shields and war clothing") is forthcoming in 2015. Approximately 110 pages on shields (with 130 photos / illustrations).

I will let you know what the publication date will be.