Rare Pair of Dayak Man’s Upper Ear Plugs

This pair of ear plugs was worn through the upper ear by Kenyak and Kayan Dayak men in the 19th century.  Each comprises a single Borneo clouded leopard tooth (Neofelis diardi borneensis) with a long chain of multi-coloured trade beads that was worn around and over the back of the head.

The two are not identical in terms of the colour of the beads used – they were not intended to be.

One of the teeth has an old hole drilled through it and possibly was repurposed to make the upper ear plug.

A similar pair of ornaments attributed to the late 19th century is illustrated in Hoek et al (2004, p. 226). Another set is illustrated in Carpenter (2011, p. 134).

The two here are a fine and rare pair. The teeth have splendid smoothness and patina and the beads are of significant age.

 

Above: A Dayak man, circa 1900, with heavy ear weights, and upper ear plugs similar to the set here.