Borneo, the world's third-largest island, sits astride the Equator and has historically had two distinct populations. Tribal groups such as inland people, called Dayaks, the legendary headhunters, have been mainly hunter-gatherers, practicing limited cultivation, speak a myriad of tribal languages, and observing animist rituals.

Some Dayak people once lived mostly in massive communal structures known as longhouses. These tribesmen were the land’s original heirs. Traditionally slash-and-burn farmers or nomadic hunter-gatherers living next to rivers or on steamy mountainsides, the Dayak people deservedly acquired a fierce reputation for their head-hunting practices – or Ngayau.

Longhouses were often surrounded by totems, guardians, to ward of evil and other tribes. This one stands 28.5 inches tall, and bears a fierce countenance. Although still being carved today, this figure wears the tall headdress of a Shaman, or spiritual leader and healer. Carved of ironwood, it was created to adorn a pole in front of the longhouse.