




Monumental pieces · carved wooden ritual post
The Ancestor's Passage
Monumental Blontang-type carved wooden ritual post, East Kalimantan.
Storytelling
Rising more than three metres, this monumental carved post is stylistically consistent with the Blontang (or Blontakng) tradition of the Dayak Benuaq of East Kalimantan.
Blontang posts are closely associated with Kwangkay, an important secondary mortuary ceremony through which families honour the deceased and accompany their spirit toward its final resting place. During the ritual, a buffalo is traditionally tethered to the post before being sacrificed. Blontang erected outside a lamin could subsequently bear witness to the major ceremonies performed by its community.
Documented. Material, availability and reference as listed above; origin as reported by the source. The photographs show the object complete.
Not claimed. Maker, date or attribution beyond the reported origin. No antique, ritual or museum status is implied.
Sold · This object has found its collector. It remains published for reference; enquiries about similar pieces are welcome.
Back to Monumental pieces or the collection. Background in context. Reading: Borneo, Made by Hand. For projects, see sourcing.

