Object M.0035: Two Kenyah 'Aso-Do'

Object M.0035 consists of two small, carved wooden objects called ‘aso-do’ each roughly measuring 58 cm in length, 4.5 cm in width, and about 2.5 cm in height (see Figure 1). The heads of both objects are carved in the zoomorphic likeness of the aso spirit: a dragon-dog guardian motif common in Borneo. The top half of the body of each object contains carved/incised geometric patterns (see Figure 2). The base of each object is flat and the butt-end is concave. Skilled woodworkers carved the aso-do from ‘tapang’ wood (koompassia excelsa) with iron tools - specifically, axes and adzes for general cutting and shaping, as well as chisels, gouges, and knives for more intricate carving.

Figure 1: Top-down view of the top half of Object M.0035, two wooden 'Aso-Do' from the Kenyah People of Borneo. Aso-Do #1 (shown above) and Aso-Do #2 (shown below). Photograph by author.

Figure 2: Segmented Image of Aso-Do #1 showing the details of carving from end to end. Photograph by author.

The Kenyah are one of several indigenous people groups inhabiting the Sarawak region of northwestern Borneo. Traditionally, the Kenyah would use the aso-do in conjunction with a ‘tukar-do,’ a vertical, stationary wooden pole within the village (see Figure 3). By measuring and recording the shadow of the midday sun cast by the tukar-do on the aso-do, the Kenyah were able to divide the year into twelve portions ranging in length from 23 to 43 days. This careful calendrical measure allowed the accurate tracking of the time of year between and outside the summer and winter solstices respectively. Additionally, this solar calendaring impacted the Kenyah’s relationship with their environment, informing them about when to sow seeds, what times of year to be wary of pests (insects, monkeys, etc), when to harvest their crops, as well as providing a record of unfavorable events in years past.

Figure 3: Image of two Kenyah men calculating the time of year using an aso-do (pictured at base of pole) and the stationary tukar-do (upright pole) based on the shadow cast by the midday sun. (Sarawak: two Kenyah people consulting a sundial. Photograph. Credit: Wellcome Collection. CC BY).

These aso-do in particular are fairly well-kept, as they are both relatively complete (~90%), clean, and contain only minor soiling. Both objects show minor scratches, abrasions, and chips along the top and base of the body as well as an unknown accretion present in some of the carved grooves of the objects (see Figure 4). These accretions do not appear to be adversely affecting the condition of the wood as no discoloration, warping, cracking, or shrinkage seem to have resulted from its presence. Neither aso-do shows signs of biodeterioration by insects or fungus, but both have an observable stain with similar visual characteristics. Since being brought to London, the aso-do are held in the UCL Ethnographic Collections to be used as teaching objects. While the values associated with the aso-do vary for different stakeholders, the most prevalent are those of the social and spiritual category, given the importance and functionality of the object within the context of its originating culture.

Figure 4: Areas of interest on Aso-Do #2 (A) remnant markings from manufacture (arrow), white accretion in carved groove (circle); (B) remnant markings from manufacture (arrow), white accretion in carved grooves (circles); (C) remnant markings from manufacture (arrow), white accretion in carved grooves; (D) same white accretion which appears to have become ingrained in the wood. Note the small area of fresh wood surface in the center. Photograph by author.

References:

Ammarell, G., (1988). Sky calendars of the Indo-Malay archipelago: regional diversity/local knowledge. Indonesia, no. 45, pp. 84-104.

Hose , C. and McDougall, W., (1993) The pagan tribes of Borneo vol.1. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Munan, H., (1989). Sarawak crafts: methods, materials, and motifs. New York: Oxford University Press.

Sarawak: two Kenyah people consulting a sundial. Photograph. Credit: Wellcome Collection. CC BY.

Winzeler, R. L., (2004). The architectural symbolism of life and death In: Winzeler R.L., ed. The architecture of life and death in Borneo. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, pp. 79-105.