Rare / Large Borneo Dayak Ceremonial Stool Aso Motifs

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Maritime Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, Dayak Culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A long, low ceremonial stool or bench carved from a dense hardwood - possibly ebony or ironwood - known for its weight and density. The seat is adorned in low relief with stylized, scrolling zoomorphic motifs featuring curled snouts, representing the Aso, a mythical dragon-dog hybrid revered in Dayak culture. The term Aso means "dog" in some Dayak languages, and the motif is among the most iconic and sacred designs, symbolizing protection from evil, a link between the human and spiritual worlds, and the balance of cosmic forces. Traditionally associated with aristocratic families, the Aso appears in carvings, tattoos, and sacred artifacts as a marker of status and spiritual power. At each end of the bench, more naturalistic dog-like heads face outward with squared, stable feet. Likely used in ritual or as a special seat reserved for a person of high status or ceremonial role. Size: 34" L x 11" W x 7.5" H (86.4 cm x 27.9 cm x 19 cm)
  
  Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #193677

  Condition

  The piece exhibits an excellent patina and is exceptionally well-preserved - its dense, heavy wood would have required great skill and effort to carve. No repairs or restoration and intact!
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

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