Specifications

• Length: 174 x 83,5 cm
• Material: rattan
• Position: 
• Gender: 
• Indigenous name: 

Provenance

C. Barth; Museum der Kulturen, Basel (inv. nr. IIc14423)

Publications

Ramseyer, Urs (1979), Indonesien, ill. III/5.

Additional information

This mat shows a scene of the Ngaju origin myth, the cosmic tree with the representatives of the upper and lower world, two hornbills as opposites eventually destroy the tree. ‘Thus as a representation of this mythical event, the erection and demolition of a tree of life is the focal point of all rituals connected with critical phases of individual or social life.’ (Ramseyer)

Photo credits

Peter Horner, Basel.