Beaded Dayak Sash

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Beaded Dayak Sash

Posted by Edith D on May 24, 2017 at 4:18am

This type of sash is worn by both men and women. This one has some type of creature depicted in the pattern, and is done in the favorite Dayak colors of red, black and yellow. Purchased new at the Dayak Harvest Festival 2017.

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Edith D May 24, 2017 at 4:30am

The entire sash....
Edith D May 24, 2017 at 4:47am

Typically worn crossed diagonally across chest and secured under a waist belt.
Edith D October 6, 2017 at 5:55am

So, if I understand this iconography correctly, these creatures are "bird-serpents" from the Dayak creation myth. According to the mythology, the universe was created by 2 bird-serpent like creatures who destroy each other in the process of mating. The remaining pieces of these creatures are scattered and create the universe. Not surprising that such a theme would show up at the Harvest Festival as a symbol of rebirth. Apparently, however, these symbols are employed for many important aspects of Dayak culture. This includes not only the Harvest Festival, but also funerals. This iconography occurs not only in beadwork, but also in wood carving and metal objects.

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Beaded Dayak Sash

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