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Up for sale is a compelling piece of mid-to-late 20th-century ethnographic art: an authentic Dayak ceremonial prestige spear or warrior's staff from Borneo, Indonesia.
This item features a striking array of traditional, organic materials and hand-carved details that reflect the skilled craftsmanship of the region's indigenous tribal cultures.
Shaft: Masterfully carved from native black palm wood (Nibung palm). This dense, exotic timber is highly prized for its iron-like durability and displays a characteristic layered, fibrous texture at the base.
Grip Section: Wrapped in a genuine patterned reptile skin (such as monitor lizard or python pelt) secured with a tight, clean vertical seam.
Decorative Collar: Features a hand-carved black resin or tree-gum focal band inset with bright red and orange natural Adenanthera pavonina seeds (circassian seeds) used traditionally across the Indonesian archipelago.
Binding & Notches: Deeply chiseled geometric notches anchor a length of twisted natural fiber cord or animal sinew running parallel to the upper shaft, historically used to secure decorative feathers or reinforce a metal blade lash.
Condition Report: This tribal piece is in solid vintage condition with excellent structural integrity. The reptile skin wrap remains tightly adhered to the core. The tapered tip shows natural bluntness/weathering consistent with its age, handling, and display history, and the base displays the expected fibrous splintering inherent to old black palm timber.
Please review all high-resolution macro photographs for a precise look at the surface textures and wear.
Dimensions:Length: about 38 inches (please see all photos)
