DAYAK HEADHUNTER’S CONTAINER

6 ¼” length made from two segments of natural cane, cut at the joints to provide nicely rounded ends. The body and removable cap are both decorated in bands of incised opposing angle lines inlaid with maroon pigment. Well crafted and showing, these were used to contain a variety of necessities for home, hunting and head hunting, an integral cultural and spiritual activity. The most common use was for powdered lime, used as a pigment and cosmetically. This example contains remnants of a black powder of unknown composition or purpose.