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Pua Kumbu
stock number: 1378
price: $3000.USD/$23,000.HKD
description:
Exceptionally fine and rare antique Iban pua kumbu with mythical snake “nabau” pattern. This pua was woven by an Iban mother and used in celebratory ceremonies to commemorate the first head taken by her son, where the head was paced on plate in the middle of the pua while drinking and feasting continued through the night. This powerful design was meant to control the deceased spirit as not to cause any harm to villagers. Although on the surface the intent of this piece seems a bit morbid by modern standards, to the Iban it has a strong spiritual connotation and is thus revered. It is near perfect condition, the only defect being one tiny nick in the selvedge. The center design is woven handspun cotton while the “ara” bands on the side are commercial thread, all the dyes used are vegetable based. The weaving is extremely fine. Please note that the photos were taken in daylight and the variation in color in the lower half is just the result of the available lighting, the colors are even throughout. Also incorporated in the pattern are birds, “enkararamba” protective spirits and bamboo shoots. This piece dates from circa 1920. L: 1.7m/67in and W: 92cm/36.5in.
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