Material: Beads
Style: Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 32 cm, Width 26.5 cm
Order Number: E4A

This original piece from a babycarrier is slightly damaged. The Dayak communities of Kalimantan, which is the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, have been making excellent beadwork for centuries.

The babycarrier is a reedwork basket to carry a young baby, although some mothers carry two or three year olds in them. Young infants tend to be carried in the front to make breast feeding easy in the early months and older ones on the back.

Curling representations of human figures are a common theme. Others contain geometric motifs. Patterned beadwork is also used in necklaces, clothing, caps, hats, vests, tunics, baby carriers and ritual objects.

The outer part of the baby carrier of the Dayak people was adorned with a symmetrical beadwork panel depicting mirror images. The beauty was thought to attract good spirits and bring good luck to the child.

The design indicated the family’s social position.  The highest ranks could use full-figure human figures, dragons and tigers (although tigers do not exist in Borneo). Lesser ranks could only use animal motifs and geometric shapes.

Aristocrats might decorate the baby carrier with a leopard’s tooth. Large beads, bells and animal teeth might decorate the upper rim. The tinkling sound would soothe the baby.

After the baby no longer needed the basket, it was stored away carefully for the next one. The beadwork and ornaments would be detached and kept safe.

Early-mid 20th century.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Baby Carrier Beadwork 1 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Beads
Style: Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 33.5 cm, Width 26 cm
Order Number: E4B

This original piece is from a babycarrier. 

The Dayak communities of Kalimantan, which is the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, have been making excellent beadwork for centuries.

The babycarrier is a reedwork basket to carry a young baby, although some mothers carry two or three year olds in them. Young infants tend to be carried in the front to make breast feeding easy in the early months and older ones on the back.

Curling representations of human figures are a common theme. Others contain geometric motifs. Patterned beadwork is also used in necklaces, clothing, caps, hats, vests, tunics, baby carriers and ritual objects.

The outer part of the baby carrier of the Dayak people was adorned with a symmetrical beadwork panel depicting mirror images. The beauty was thought to attract good spirits and bring good luck to the child.

The design indicated the family’s social position.  The highest ranks could use full-figure human figures, dragons and tigers (although tigers do not exist in Borneo). Lesser ranks could only use animal motifs and geometric shapes.

Aristocrats might decorate the baby carrier with a leopard’s tooth. Large beads, bells and animal teeth might decorate the upper rim. The tinkling sound would soothe the baby.

After the baby no longer needed the basket, it was stored away carefully for the next one. The beadwork and ornaments would be detached and kept safe.

About 70-80 years old.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Baby Carrier Beadwork 2 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Ivory
Style:  Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Height 9.3 cm, Width 3 cm
Order Number: MHSAKDC1

This is from the small Dayak Bahau tribe.

Mid 20th century.

Map of Kalimantan (Borneo).

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Dayak Charm appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Cotton, sequins
Style: Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Height 50 cm, Width 47 cm
Order Number: MHSAKJ1

Dayak is the name applied to a number of very different peoples  living on the island of Kalimantan, but also elsewhere. They share some common characteristics. They live in longhouses, situated mostly on navigable rivers. They were rice farmers, living simple lives, but staging large religious ceremonies, which involved large feasts.

Kalimantan sits on the equator, so little clothing is necessary. Everyday Dayak clothing consisted of a loincloth for men and a short skirt or two apron-skirts for women. Inside they wore a headband and outside a hat. Both men and women wore a jacket for semi-formal events. Children were mostly naked, but girls may have worn a modesty plaque suspended from a string.

In contrast to these plain clothes ceremonial costumes, lavishly ornamented with animal claws, feathers and teeth, and feathers, silver and beads were worn.

Early 20th century.

Map of Kalimantan.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Jacket 1 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Rattan
Style:  Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 202 cm, Width 106 cm
Order Number: MHSAKM1

Rattan is a tropical climbing palm, using long thorns to climb up other jungle plants, and reaching lengths of over 150 metres (490 feet) but only a few centimetres thick. It belongs to the palm family. It is very strong  and grows best in dense tall jungle.

Rattan is usually harvested by Dayak men, who bring it home cut into convenient lengths. The thorny outer skin is stripped off and the smooth cane is exposed. It is the best part for mats (lampit), when strength and durability is needed. Rattan preparation may be carried out by men or women according to the location, but girls and women weave the mats.

They are  very attractive and pleasant to walk on barefoot in their long houses. The rattan can be stained before weaving and the colour becomes part of the pattern. Traditional dyes were indigo, soot or dark earth to make dark strands to create asymmetrical, sometimes picturesque designs.

About 40-50 years.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Mat 1 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Rattan
Style:  Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 203 cm, Width 115 cm
Order Number: MHSAKM10

Rattan is a tropical climbing palm, using long thorns to climb up other jungle plants, and reaching lengths of over 150 metres (490 feet) but only a few centimetres thick. It belongs to the palm family. It is very strong  and grows best in dense tall jungle.

Rattan is usually harvested by Dayak men, who bring it home cut into convenient lengths. The thorny outer skin is stripped off and the smooth cane is exposed. It is the best part for mats (lampit), when strength and durability is needed. Rattan preparation may be carried out by men or women according to the location, but girls and women weave the mats.

They are  very attractive and pleasant to walk on barefoot in their long houses. The rattan can be stained before weaving and the colour becomes part of the pattern. Traditional dyes were indigo, soot or dark earth to make dark strands to create asymmetrical, sometimes picturesque designs.

Mid 20th century.

Map of Kalimantan.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Mat 10 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Rattan
Style:  Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 206 cm, Width 104 cm
Order Number: MHSAKM2

Rattan is a tropical climbing palm, using long thorns to climb up other jungle plants, and reaching lengths of over 150 metres (490 feet) but only a few centimetres thick. It belongs to the palm family. It is very strong  and grows best in dense tall jungle.

Rattan is usually harvested by Dayak men, who bring it home cut into convenient lengths. The thorny outer skin is stripped off and the smooth cane is exposed. It is the best part for mats (lampit), when strength and durability is needed. Rattan preparation may be carried out by men or women according to the location, but girls and women weave the mats.

They are  very attractive and pleasant to walk on barefoot in their long houses. The rattan can be stained before weaving and the colour becomes part of the pattern. Traditional dyes were indigo, soot or dark earth to make dark strands to create asymmetrical, sometimes picturesque designs.

About 40-50 years.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Mat 2 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Rattan
Style:  Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 176 cm, Width 112 cm
Order Number: MHSAKM3

Rattan is a tropical climbing palm, using long thorns to climb up other jungle plants, and reaching lengths of over 150 metres (490 feet) but only a few centimetres thick. It belongs to the palm family. It is very strong  and grows best in dense tall jungle.

Rattan is usually harvested by Dayak men, who bring it home cut into convenient lengths. The thorny outer skin is stripped off and the smooth cane is exposed. It is the best part for mats (lampit), when strength and durability is needed. Rattan preparation may be carried out by men or women according to the location, but girls and women weave the mats.

They are  very attractive and pleasant to walk on barefoot in their long houses. The rattan can be stained before weaving and the colour becomes part of the pattern. Traditional dyes were indigo, soot or dark earth to make dark strands to create asymmetrical, sometimes picturesque designs.

The design is the Tree of Life.

About 70-80 years.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Mat 3 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Rattan
Style:  Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 170 cm, Width 126 cm
Order Number: MHSAKM4

Rattan is a tropical climbing palm, using long thorns to climb up other jungle plants, and reaching lengths of over 150 metres (490 feet) but only a few centimetres thick. It belongs to the palm family. It is very strong  and grows best in dense tall jungle.

Rattan is usually harvested by Dayak men, who bring it home cut into convenient lengths. The thorny outer skin is stripped off and the smooth cane is exposed. It is the best part for mats (lampit), when strength and durability is needed. Rattan preparation may be carried out by men or women according to the location, but girls and women weave the mats.

They are  very attractive and pleasant to walk on barefoot in their long houses. The rattan can be stained before weaving and the colour becomes part of the pattern. Traditional dyes were indigo, soot or dark earth to make dark strands to create asymmetrical, sometimes picturesque designs.

About 50-60 years.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Mat 4 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Rattan
Style:  Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 180 cm, Width 99 cm
Order Number: MHSAKM5

Rattan is a tropical climbing palm, using long thorns to climb up other jungle plants, and reaching lengths of over 150 metres (490 feet) but only a few centimetres thick. It belongs to the palm family. It is very strong  and grows best in dense tall jungle.

Rattan is usually harvested by Dayak men, who bring it home cut into convenient lengths. The thorny outer skin is stripped off and the smooth cane is exposed. It is the best part for mats (lampit), when strength and durability is needed. Rattan preparation may be carried out by men or women according to the location, but girls and women weave the mats.

They are  very attractive and pleasant to walk on barefoot in their long houses. The rattan can be stained before weaving and the colour becomes part of the pattern. Traditional dyes were indigo, soot or dark earth to make dark strands to create asymmetrical, sometimes picturesque designs.

About 50-60 years.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Mat 5 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Rattan
Style:  Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 185 cm, Width 100 cm
Order Number: MHSAKM6

Rattan is a tropical climbing palm, using long thorns to climb up other jungle plants, and reaching lengths of over 150 metres (490 feet) but only a few centimetres thick. It belongs to the palm family. It is very strong  and grows best in dense tall jungle.

Rattan is usually harvested by Dayak men, who bring it home cut into convenient lengths. The thorny outer skin is stripped off and the smooth cane is exposed. It is the best part for mats (lampit), when strength and durability is needed. Rattan preparation may be carried out by men or women according to the location, but girls and women weave the mats.

They are  very attractive and pleasant to walk on barefoot in their long houses. The rattan can be stained before weaving and the colour becomes part of the pattern. Traditional dyes were indigo, soot or dark earth to make dark strands to create asymmetrical, sometimes picturesque designs.

About 50-60 years.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Mat 6 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Rattan
Style:  Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 207 cm, Width 97 cm
Order Number: MHSAKM7

Rattan is a tropical climbing palm, using long thorns to climb up other jungle plants, and reaching lengths of over 150 metres (490 feet) but only a few centimetres thick. It belongs to the palm family. It is very strong  and grows best in dense tall jungle.

Rattan is usually harvested by Dayak men, who bring it home cut into convenient lengths. The thorny outer skin is stripped off and the smooth cane is exposed. It is the best part for mats (lampit), when strength and durability is needed. Rattan preparation may be carried out by men or women according to the location, but girls and women weave the mats.

They are  very attractive and pleasant to walk on barefoot in their long houses. The rattan can be stained before weaving and the colour becomes part of the pattern. Traditional dyes were indigo, soot or dark earth to make dark strands to create asymmetrical, sometimes picturesque designs.

About 40-50 years.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Mat 7 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Rattan
Style:  Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 213 cm, Width 131 cm
Order Number: MHSAKM8

Rattan is a tropical climbing palm, using long thorns to climb up other jungle plants, and reaching lengths of over 150 metres (490 feet) but only a few centimetres thick. It belongs to the palm family. It is very strong  and grows best in dense tall jungle.

Rattan is usually harvested by Dayak men, who bring it home cut into convenient lengths. The thorny outer skin is stripped off and the smooth cane is exposed. It is the best part for mats (lampit), when strength and durability is needed. Rattan preparation may be carried out by men or women according to the location, but girls and women weave the mats.

They are  very attractive and pleasant to walk on barefoot in their long houses. The rattan can be stained before weaving and the colour becomes part of the pattern. Traditional dyes were indigo, soot or dark earth to make dark strands to create asymmetrical, sometimes picturesque designs.

About 40-50 years.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Mat 8 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Rattan
Style:  Kalimantan, Indonesia
Size: Length 192 cm, Width 150 cm
Order Number: MHSAKM9

Rattan is a tropical climbing palm, using long thorns to climb up other jungle plants, and reaching lengths of over 150 metres (490 feet) but only a few centimetres thick. It belongs to the palm family. It is very strong  and grows best in dense tall jungle.

Rattan is usually harvested by Dayak men, who bring it home cut into convenient lengths. The thorny outer skin is stripped off and the smooth cane is exposed. It is the best part for mats (lampit), when strength and durability is needed. Rattan preparation may be carried out by men or women according to the location, but girls and women weave the mats.

They are  very attractive and pleasant to walk on barefoot in their long houses. The rattan can be stained before weaving and the colour becomes part of the pattern. Traditional dyes were indigo, soot or dark earth to make dark strands to create asymmetrical, sometimes picturesque designs.

About 40-50 years.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Antique Kalimantan Mat 9 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Beads
Style:  Borneo (Kalimantan), Indonesia
Size: Length 132 cm, Width 5 cm
Order Number: MHSBBHB1

21st century.

Map of Kalimantan (Borneo).

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Borneo Bead Head Band appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Beads
Style:  Borneo (Kalimantan), Indonesia
Size: Height 33 cm, Length 100 cm
Order Number: MHSBBHD1

21st century.

Map of Kalimantan (Borneo).

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Borneo Bead House Decoration appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Beads
Style:  Borneo (Kalimantan), Indonesia
Size: Height 19 cm, Width 47 cm
Order Number: MHSBBN1

21st century.

Map of Kalimantan (Borneo).

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Borneo Bead Necklace 1 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Beads
Style:  Borneo (Kalimantan), Indonesia
Size: Height 53 cm, Width 12 cm
Order Number: MHSBBN2

21st century.

Map of Kalimantan (Borneo).

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Borneo Bead Necklace 2 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Beads
Style:  Borneo (Kalimantan), Indonesia
Size: Height 68 cm, Width 42 cm
Order Number: MHSBBJ1

21st century.

Map of Kalimantan (Borneo).

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).

The post Borneo Bead Shoulder Wrap appeared first on Murni's in Bali.