AN EXTREMELY RARE PAIWAN SHAMAN'S BOX
Item Code: AI1004-1
Origin:
Description: Seen here is a rare and authentic Paiwan Shaman's box dating to the early 20th or possibly 19th century. This quality box features two relief-carved faces framed by snakes and is embellished with cut shell medallions applied with tiny antique brass tacks. The sides have what appears to be antique iron upholstery tacks. The shaman was considered a nobleman and had an important function in Paiwan society. One of the privileges of the nobility was the right to use the sacred motifs of the "snake" and "human figure" both of which represent ancestors and are depicted on this box. It would have originally had a cloth part attached through the pierced holes at the top and was then drawn in to close its important ritual contents. It has a dry mellow patina and shows obvious wear and traditional use. In very good condition with some minor dings and age cracks. Early Paiwan ceremonial artifacts like this are very scarce!
Dimensions: Height 5 1/8" (13 cm), Width 7" (18 cm)
Price: SOLD
OPPOSITE SIDE
