Old South East Asian primitive tribal wood mortar and pestle. This beautifully hand carved piece most likely originated from Borneo or possibly Papua New Guinea. It was collected in the 1980's but pre dates this - early to mid 20th. C. Heavy tropical fruit wood with primitive tribal carving details on the pestle in the form of a mythical beast. Used to grind pigments or spices possibly in times gone by. Appropriate and faint signs of past usage. An eye catching collectable piece that can be used possibly, or added to your collection.
Dajak or Dayak or Dayuh are one of the native groups of Borneo. A loose term for over 200 riverine and hill-dwelling ethnic groups, located principally in the central and southern interior of Borneo, each with its own dialect, customs, laws, territory, and culture, although common distinguishing traits are readily identifiable Mortar L10", W7", H1.5" Pestle L6", H3", D1" approx.
Mortars and pestles anticipate modern blenders and grinders and can be described as having the function of small, mobile, hand-operated mills that don't require electricity or fuel to operate!
