Bahau Dayak mask, "Topeng jahat"
Product Details
Dimensions: W: 21 x D: 14 x H: 37 cm
Weight: 0,60 kg
Beautiful old Bahau Dayak mask with nice patina. Provenance: Belgian private collection.
W: 21 x D: 14 x H: 37 cm
"Topeng jahat", or "terrifying mask" of the Bahau Dayak, served as a deterrent to admonish and frighten naughty children.
This type of mask also featured in ceremonies around second burial. The Dayak community believes that a person has two souls: one that is released immediately after death, and a second that is released only when the bones of the deceased are reburied. This second soul is considered a potential danger to the village, as it may continue to wander due to homesickness, or even try to take the souls of family members.
To prevent this, the soul should be encouraged to leave for the realm of souls, so that from there the deceased can assist his descendants as an ancestor, provided they make regular sacrifices. Masked dancers were employed to drive out this soul and thus protect the village from any negative influences.