Pua Kumbu
Iban people, Seventh Division
Sarawak, Malaysia or possibly northern Kalimantan
Late 19th century or circa 1900
Ikat technique, all natural dyes, homespun cotton
103 x 46.25 inches
The crocodile is an animal of great power and complex significance in the Iban spiritual pantheon.
An Iban warrior might call the crocodile spirit through a Pua bearing its image to help bring him success on a headhunting raidÂ
