Dayak House Guardian

19th century. Carved wood, 27" height with tapered stem to be pounded into the ground outside the house entrance. The upper with an abstracted human head with rudimentary features. Curiously, the ears are delineated but the eyes are not, evidently intended to protect at night. The whole boldly executed, probably with an ADz as was common for primitive art. Fine original deep age patina throughout with light encrustation over glossy patina. Fine for collection display as well as a fascinating unique garden ornament.