Description

Traditional use:
Miniature carvings often depict spirits responsible for illnesses and were used by shamans to remove and house malevolent spirits during healing ceremonies. Such carvings were then disposed of in the rivers or in deep forests.

Contemporary use:
As collectors' items; tribal art. These carvings are now difficult to come by as many elder carvers have passed on, or have discontinued carving.

This particular sculpture represents the Spirit of the Thorn, which causes headaches and dizzy spells.

According to the Jah Het, this wandering jungle spirit will frighten its victim by cracking his jing-ang(bones). The victim then goes into the state of shock where his whole body becomes hot inside and cold outside. In order to recover, the victim has to seek cure from a pawang (shaman).

extracted from: Werner, R. (1997) Ja~het of Malaysia: Art and Culture. UM Press

Artisan: Puteh Yatim
Artisan age: 30s
Ethnic group: Jah Het (Orang Asli)

Dimensions: 34 cm (h) x 12 cm (w) x 84 cm (l)
Weight: 0.5 kg
Type of wood: Merbau, with wax finish

Source: Kg. Sg. Koi, Kuala Krau, near Jerantut, Pahang

SHIPPING OPTIONS:
Due to the size and weight of the carving, the shipping options are limited to:
1. Pick up (from Elevyn's office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). Once purchase is made, you will be contacted to arrange for the pick up.
2. DHL Express.
* please choose your shipping option accordingly when you check out.