Shan shaman’s mortar

Southeast Asian: Folk Art: Primitive Works of Art Pre 1910: item #885125
2032

Very unusual mortar made from what appears to be a monkeys skull, probably a langur or gibbon as they are the monkeys of this size from the Shan State, Burma where this came. As is the case in much of Southeast Asia, indigenous animist “spirit doctors” play an important role in Shan society and were not at odds with the local Buddhist Yuan sect as they believed these individuals were “monks” of a sort, imbued with magical powers. Potions for healing as well as creams smeared on the... Click for details

Vintage Philippine Condiment Pounder

Southeast Asian: Folk Art: Primitive Works of Art Pre 1930: item #864327

A common kitchen tool for pounding condiments, usually used by the people of the mountain provinces in Northern Luzon. Contemporary metal stand. Frequent handling has resulted in a smooth patina. Signs of wear, good condition. Philippines, circa 1928. 7 1/2" x 1 3/4"

Shan Carved Wood Ladle for Alms Bowls

Southeast Asian: Folk Art: Primitive Works of Art Pre 1980: item #806740
64-02

This most unusual rice ladle from the Shan minority people of Southeast Asia has carvings of a peacock, an elephant, a donkey, a fish and a mystery animal all lined up along its handle. Carving on the double handle, meant to simulate rope, is skillfully done; carving on the animals is much more primitive, which probably means that it originated in one of the many small Shan villages concentrated in northeast Burma and northwest Thailand. The ladle bowl is made from a sturdy gourd coated with lac... Click for details

Primitive Wild Boar Tusk Necklace

Southeast Asian: Folk Art: Primitive Works of Art Pre 1970: item #768593
35-01

The curved white tusk of a wild boar was fitted with three silver filigree bands to create this tribal necklace from one of Indonesia's out islands. This unusual mid to late 20th century piece carries the aura of the jungle but its island tribal origin is unknown to us. Numerous ornaments, including small statues, utensils and kris handles, fashioned from various types of horn and bone were believed within island tribal cultures to have magical properties. The tusk hangs from a silver chain atta... Click for details

Small 18th Century Shan Folk Buddha

Southeast Asian: Folk Art: Primitive Works of Art Pre 1800: item #757166
08-03

A modest little folk Buddha with right hand in earth touching mudra sits on a red and black double lotus throne. Made of lacquered teak wood, the carving is from the Shan minority in Burma. The gilded Buddha has the downcast eyes, prominent brow, small chin and large finial generally seen on Shan figures. It most likely was displayed in a village daimyo, a covered outdoor pavilion with a stepped altar holding a number of Buddha figures of various sizes, a local gathering place for daily devotion... Click for details

Rawang men’s blanket

Southeast Asian: Folk Art: Primitive Works of Art Pre 1970: item #754486
1815

Rare three paneled men’s wrap from the Nung/Rawang ethnic group of the Kachin State, Burma. The weaving technique and materials are quite unique which I have not encountered with any other ethnic group. The base warp and weft foundation is made from hemp fiber, the pile is made from cotton, and the finished maroon colored ends are finished in wool. All the fibers on this piece are handspun with the exception of the bright colored yarn which are “store bought” synthetics. The Rawang are... Click for details

Ban Chiang shell pendant

Southeast Asian: Folk Art: Primitive Works of Art Pre 1492: item #737057
1762

Fine and rare large conch shell pendant from Central Thailand Bronze Age Ban Chiang or Lopburi cultures circa 300-500 CE. Superb condition with minimal calcification, may still be worn! Included is a museum quality perspex stand (total H: 14.5cm/5.6in). Maximum D: 7.7cm/3in and W: 3.4cm/1.5in.

Lanna Thai rice baskets

Southeast Asian: Folk Art: Primitive Works of Art Pre 1950: item #730107
1748

Nice old pair of Northern Thai woven bamboo baskets used for steaming and carrying rice. The basket on the left is used for steaming “sticky” or glutinous rice and is about 40 years old, H: 19cm/7.5in while the one on the right is older, circa 60 years, and is used to carry cooked rice into the fields. Sticky rice is the traditionally preferred staple in much of Northern Thailand and Laos, and is eaten with fingers. H: 22cm/8.6in.

Lawai tobacco pipes

Southeast Asian: Folk Art: Primitive Works of Art Pre 1920: item #685635
1606

Quirky and rare ensemble of seven tobacco pipes from the Lawai ethnic group of Southern Laos,(please read the notes under enlargements for description of materials on each piece). The simple bamboo ones are used by the women of this group while the more ornate ones are used by the men. Although old pottery pipes of Burmese/Thai/Khmer origin are fairly common, these are the first in this clay I have ever run across. Three of the ceramic ones are Yixing wares from Jiangsu, China, which were ... Click for details

Ancient Brown Glass Earring - 100 BC

Southeast Asian: Folk Art: Primitive Works of Art Pre AD 1000: item #680353
GEAR-010

A large glass earring from Southeast Asia Cambodia. The earring has a lot of incrustation from being buried so long. Most of it can be removed by soaking it in water fro several days. It would make a nice pendant. Size: Diameter 5cm. Condition: no chips or breaks .