Agom

Agom rice guardian used to protect the growing rice from malevolent spirits. The figure is sitting in squatting position on a pointed stake which was inserted into the ground and left for the rice season. The linear body is carved in anthropomorphic form with a head supported by the hands, arms and legs. The open mouth has the function to call the gods for assistance and warns the rice spirits of danger. The sharp teeth in triangular form remind its aggressiveness and are intended to frighten and consume malevolent spirits. The big bulging eyes enhance the expressiveness of the face. Such figures were placed individually on the way to a farm and in groups usually by a main river and main pathway to the season’s rice field.

Borneo. Western area.
Iban.
Ironwood, patina.
64 x 5 x 6,5 cm  / 25.2 x 2 x 2.6 in
Price SFr. 800.- | Inv. 4.005|