Dayak shields

ethelwulf · 9th January 2022, 07:54 PM

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

cel7 · 26th April 2023, 09:29 PM

To revive this old thread, here are some pictures of a klebit bok that I won at an auction last week. It's had a rough life but it appealed to me. Dimensions 125x35 cm.

Ian · 27th April 2023, 08:31 PM

Hi cel7,

Very nice old shield. It's missing a few bits here and there, and it's a bit dinged up, but that's what you would expect with a genuinely old piece that has been around for a while and seen some use. Great catch.

cel7 · 28th April 2023, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi cel7,

Very nice old shield. It's missing a few bits here and there, and it's a bit dinged up, but that's what you would expect with a genuinely old piece that has been around for a while and seen some use. Great catch.

Thanks Ian, it has indeed suffered a bit.

asomotif · 28th April 2023, 10:12 PM

That is a nice shield. I immediately recognized it. I bought it from Artzi over 10 years ago.

http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/photos.php?id=2738

cel7 · 28th April 2023, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asomotif

That is a nice shield. I immediately recognized it. I bought it from Artzi over 10 years ago.

http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/photos.php?id=2738

Wow that's a nice surprise. I didn't see that one coming. Did you put it up for auction a few weeks ago?

asomotif · 29th April 2023, 07:56 PM

No, I sold it years ago, The buyer was not someone I knew.
I am not sure if he bought it for his collection of for trade.

9th January 2022, 07:54 PM	#1
ethelwulf Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 1	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 Attached Images

26th April 2023, 09:29 PM	#2
cel7 Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 157	Klebit bok shield To revive this old thread, here are some pictures of a klebit bok that I won at an auction last week. It's had a rough life but it appealed to me. Dimensions 125x35 cm. Attached Images

27th April 2023, 08:31 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Hi cel7, Very nice old shield. It's missing a few bits here and there, and it's a bit dinged up, but that's what you would expect with a genuinely old piece that has been around for a while and seen some use. Great catch. Last edited by Ian; 27th April 2023 at 08:45 PM.

28th April 2023, 10:12 PM	#5
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,228	That is a nice shield. I immediately recognized it. I bought it from Artzi over 10 years ago. http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/photos.php?id=2738

29th April 2023, 07:56 PM	#7
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,228	No, I sold it years ago, The buyer was not someone I knew. I am not sure if he bought it for his collection of for trade.