Dayak/Kenyah Ceremonial Headdress (Ketapu Silung)

Borneo, Indonesia

Mid-20th century

Rattan, cloth, glass beads, goat hair, hornbill feathers

Like many of the Dayak groups, the Kenyah have a past history of headhunting. A warrior who had participated in successful expeditions would have worn this style of headdress during a ceremonial war dance. The headdress is an emblem of his rank, and the hornbill feathers affirm his courage and virility. The beaded motif, which is common in Kenyah art, represents asoq, the dog-dragon goddess, and imparts strength and magical protective properties to the wearer.