We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Armband for a warrior or hunter

19th century-20th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Other Titles
    Bracelet
    Armband
    Place where the work was made
    Kalimantan → Borneo → Indonesia
    Cultural origin
    Kenyah or Kayan
    Date
    19th century-20th century
    Media category
    Jewellery
    Materials used
    ivory
    Dimensions
    3.0 x 2.0 x 11.5 cm diam.
    Credit
    Christopher Worrall Wilson Bequest 2010
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    547.2010
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    Among the Dayak and Iban societies of Borneo, armbands and bracelets made from wood, shell, ivory and various metals are worn by males and females of all ages. Adornments such as this elegant and richly patinated armband of Kenyah or Kayan origin were made from imported and locally
    sourced ivory.

    The armband would have been considered an item of value associated with high status and may have been worn by a hunter or warrior as a prized trophy to empower the wearer with the animal life-force of the hunted creature.

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition

    • Glorious, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 27 May 2017–06 Jan 2019

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 2 publications

  • Provenance

    Christopher Wilson, pre Nov 1986-1996, probably purchased in Sarawak, Malaysia mid 1970s or 1985. Appears in 'Southeast Asian tribal art', an unpublished text by Christopher Wilson, College of Fine Arts, Sydney, November 1986.

    Mariann Ford, 1996-Dec 2010, Sydney/New South Wales/Australia, inherited from the estate of Christopher Wilson. Gift to the Art Gallery of New South Wales as part of the Christopher Worrall Wilson Bequest 2010.