.
INTO THE ART OF BORNEO - INDONESIA
Lying off the coast of Southeast Asia,Borneo is the largest island.Covered by dense tropical rainforest,this enormous island,roughly twice the size of the British Isles,is divided between the modern nations of Indonesia,Malaysia,and the oil-rich sultanate of Brunei . Europeans first encountered this land in 1512,when members of Ferdinands Magellan's expedition made a brief stop at Brunei,but,the island remained largely unexplored by Europeans untill the latter half of 19th century.
Borneo is home to a number of distinct artistic traditions.The KENYAH-KAYAN tradition is among the most aesthetically accomplished.KENYAH-KAYAN art is characterized by sinuous blending of plant and animal forms that often brings to mind Norse or Celtic art of Europe.KENYAH-KAYAN artists work in variety of media ranging from indigonous materials such as wood and the ivory-like hornbill casque to imported glass beads from sources as dystant as Italy,Britain,and Bohemia.Both sexes contribute to the artistic life of the community.Men traditionally work materials such as wood,antler,and metal.Women work in beads and fiber.Most surviving examples from the classic period of KENYAH-KAYAN art from the lates 19th to the mid-20th century although some piecies may be much earlier.While some KENYAH-KAYAN art forms,particularly those associated with warfare,are no longer produced,others,including carving and beadwork,continue.Although Christianity has become widespread in the interior,masking traditions persist,and many young mothers still carry their children in distinctive beaded baby carriers adorned with designs that afford protection from harmful spirits.THANKS FOR VISIT & WILL COMING NEXT ...........................
* Death and Life In The Long House
* The Spirit World
* Guardian Figure
* Aso "The Dog Dragon"
* The Art Of War
* Masks
* The Women's Worlds
* Baby Carriers
* The KENYAH-KAYAN achievement
Published: September 03, 2007