Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

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Dayak Bead Work with Interlaced Pattern

Posted by Edith D on May 22, 2017 at 10:32am

Purchased new at the Dayak Harvest Festival 2017. This bead work decorates a woman's purse. It is very similar to the patterns that appear on the traditional items such as hats, baby carriers and clothing (see Stokmans book on the Rene van der Star collection). My impression is that these are made for tribal consumption (many Dayak women were buying.) Like many groups, the Dayak have become increasingly urbanized. I suspect that most Dayak women no longer have time for such pursuits, but still want to own traditional items. The bead work is probably now being produced as a cottage industry by a handful within the community.