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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Southeast Asian: Wood: Pre 1910: Item # 1485909

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AfricAsia Primitive and Antiques
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120 Impasse de La Borie
81170 Livers Cazelles, FRANCE
(0033) 6 32 63 98 15

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Unusual mask carved in wood, in the form of a skull face, with a strong expression in relief. Remnants of the original pigments meant to enhance the mask features. This mask, which was bever worn, was used by a "dukun" for ritual practices and ceremonies. The mask was found in the island of Java, Indonesia. Its height: 17 cm. Mounted on a custom stand. Despite signs of great age and old accidents, the mask is in rather good condition. Provenance: old Dutch collection. NOTE: A dukun is an Indonesian term for shaman. Their societal role is that of a traditional healer, spirit medium, custom and tradition experts and on occasion sorcerers and masters of black magic. The dukun is the very epitome of the "kejawen" or "kebatinan" belief system indigenous to Java. Very strong and ancient beliefs of animism, ancestor worship and shamanism are held by the people of the Nusantara. Dukun are most common on the island of Java, though the island of Madura is especially feared for being very powerful practitioners of dark magic, and Bali is well regarded for its dukun. The Dayak people of Kalimantan are also feared for their use of dukun when head-hunting. In Sabah, the Kadayan community are known for their dukun who are said to look waif-like with red eyes. In common practice, a dukun is consulted when a person perceives they have an issue that has a supernatural or paranormal association. If a dukun is not known to the individual, their family or friends, word of mouth often creates a situation where the dukun will appear as if summoned, most especially in the case of possessions. The dukun's knowledge is passed down orally, but the specific customs differ from one community to another. Initiates may voluntarily decide to learn the dukun's craft, or the position might be inherited.