Borneo Arts: The Lumholtz Collection at Kulturhistorisk Museum Universitetet i Oslo
Borneo Arts
The Lumholtz Collection at Kulturhistorisk Museum Universitetet i Oslo
Curated by Steven G. Alpert
This month's presentation is particularly dear to my heart. Carl Lumholtz, a Norwegian ethnographer and an early explorer of Central Borneo (1913-1914), made important observations and collected many items, some of which are quite special as artworks and as cultural markers. Lumholtz recorded sensitive and informative descriptions informed by his relentless curiosity and many expeditions, ranging from long years in Mexico to forays among remote 'aboriginal' groups in Queensland, Australia. In Central Borneo. Lumholtz observed firsthand the material culture and lifeways of the Ngaju, Ot Datum, and middle Mahakam peoples such as the Bahau, Apo-Kayan, and other Kayanic groups. His book, Through Central Borneo: An Account of Two Years' Travel in the Land of the Head-Hunters between the Years 1913 and 1917, remains a classic tome for this cultural and geographical area.
Carl Lumholtz's substantial collection of artifacts is now stewarded by the University of Oslo (Kulturhistorisk museum Universitetet i Oslo). We are fortunate to reproduce seventeen of these items to further introduce our readership to this collection. These are particularly significant works as we know exactly when and where they were individually collected. Lumholtz's collection assists us in establishing patterns of style and veracity that existed at a very specific moment in time.
Of particular merit is the Lumholtz Bahau Sa'a baby carrier that is the second oldest one ever collected. The first and oldest one derives from relatives of this same group that was made when they formerly lived in what is today Sarawak. That piece is now in the Sarawak Museum and is also reproduced in our Borneo gallery. The artistry, surfaces, and style of these items illuminate important traits that are useful for comparing these two baby carriers to later specimens or modern reproductions. Another item of tremendous artistic resonance is a carved panel from a work table that is replete with many protective curvilinear animals fashioned in a layered, early asymmetrical manner that still seems spontaneous and fresh.
These are period collected pieces. Many of them stand out, including three stellar examples of Bahau hudoq masks, perfectly carved and with natural pigments. A sinuous lid for sealing or covering an imposing heirloom Southeast Asian trade jar also playfully depicts two spirit animals. It is quite unusual. One aso is carved on the actual lid while the other one meets its counterpart in space. The projected beast doubly served as an elegant grip or handle to the jar's covering wooden roundel.
Lumholtz also visited Ngaju and Ot Danum areas, where he collected many 'ethnographic' items, amongst them creations with fine aesthetic embellishments that were employed for every day, as well as ceremonial use. These include a gloriously inscribed pipe, a sublime decorated hat, several profound statues, and one of the most beautifully painted Ngaju ceremonial shields extant. Of special note is a healer's mask, a type of shamanic instrument used to lure and coax a patient's wayward soul back into their body. These masks are exceedingly rare and have wooden grips attached to them.
At Art of the Ancestors, we have an abiding passion for carefully curated material from Borneo, and we invite our readers to further explore one of the world's most fascinating islands as well as the legacy of Carl Lumholtz.
— Steven G. Alpert, founder of Art of the Ancestors
1
Man’s Hat
2
Mythical Animal Figure
3
Carved Panel
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Carved Panel
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Painted Shield
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Seated Figure
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Healer’s Mask
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Hudoq Mask
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Carved Work Table
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Hornbill Figure | Kenyalang
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Engraved Bamboo Pipe
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Baby Carrier
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Plaited Figurative Mat
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Seated Woman with Drum
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Hudoq Mask
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Decorative Dayak Jar Lid
17
Hudoq Mask
All artworks and images presented in this feature are the property of Kulturhistorisk Museum Universitetet i Oslo.
© Kulturhistorisk Museum Universitetet i Oslo