Monumental pieces · carved architectural post
The Rising Frond
A carved architectural post with a pointed crown and vertical scrollwork.
Storytelling
The Rising Frond draws its name from the pointed crown and the vertical movement of its carved scrollwork. Research on Dayak Kenyah lamin ornament describes curved and circular designs as stylized plant forms, visually comparable to young fern fronds, and discusses their interconnection in relation to continuity and kinship. A separate field study of Selibit carving at Setulang likewise associates that named wall pattern with close family bonds. This piece is not identified as Selibit or any other named motif; the reference is intentionally limited to the documented visual language surrounding lamin architecture. Its exact maker, village, age and former position remain unknown.
These descriptions connect the pieces only to documented carved ornament around Dayak communal houses known as lamin. Research on Dayak Kenyah lamin records carving on walls, pillars and foundation timbers, using animal, plant, spiral and circular forms. No individual motif is identified without provenance.
Cataloguing note. The precise Dayak community, original architectural position, maker, age, wood species and meaning of the individual motifs are not documented. The pieces are therefore described as Dayak-associated carved architectural posts and are not presented as authenticated antiques, ritual objects or examples of a specifically named motif.
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.
Back to Monumental pieces or the collection. Background in context. Reading: Borneo, Made by Hand. For projects, see sourcing.