A richly adorned Dayak baby carrier from Borneo, made with a wooden frame, woven fiber body, resist-dyed cloth lining, and a densely beaded front panel. The design is worked in glass beads with bold yellow, white, black, red, and blue motifs, likely representing protective ancestral or spirit forms.
Among Dayak peoples, baby carriers were both practical and symbolic. Worn on the back, they held the child securely while also serving as objects of protection, status, and family care. Beadwork, shells, bone ornaments, charms, and bells were often added not only for decoration, but to help guard and engage the infant.
This example combines dense beadwork with cowrie-shell decoration, suspended charms, curved bone ornaments, and small bells that sound gently when the carrier is in motion, likely soothing or entertaining the baby while adding a protective auditory element. The reverse is lined with purple and ochre resist-dyed cloth, and the woven straps and wooden frame retain a strong sense of age and use.
A beautiful example of Dayak material culture, balancing utility, protection, sound, and sculptural presence.
Size: 11" x 13" x 5" [28cm x 33cm x 13cm]
Age: Early / Mid 20th Century
Origin: Dayak people, Borneo
Type: Baby Carrier
Material: Wood, bone, shell ornaments, and glass bead panel. Resist dyed silk cloth interior lining
Condition: Very good
OB087
