Hampatong

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Sculpture (hampatong), created by the Dayak people of Kalimantan, Indonesia, showcases their skilled craftsmanship with iron and wood. Don Emile Dezeraux first discovered this artwork in 1977, which is now preserved at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (Musée du Cinquantenaire) in Brussels, Belgium. These hampatongs serve as powerful symbols of ancestral protection, warding off evil spirits with their imposing presence. Typically placed near the entrance of a house or at strategic locations within a village, they provide a sense of security and safety. Despite their larger size, miniature versions of these sculptures are often carried as amulets, offering a tangible connection to their ancestors.