Cráneos Kelabit Skulls (Dayak Subgroup)

Cráneos Kelabit (Subgrupo Dayak)

Los Kelabit son un subgrupo indígena dentro del amplio conjunto étnico Dayak, el nombre que abarca a muchos pueblos nativos de Borneo (tanto en Malasia como en Indonesia).

Hasta mediados del siglo XX, los Kelabit practicaban el headhunting (cacería de cabezas), una tradición guerrera y ritual que incluía la decapitación de enemigos en combate con fines espirituales, era una forma de capturar y poseer su fuerza vital; las cabezas trofeo eran un símbolo de victoria, pero también un canal de fertilidad, protección y poder ancestral. Se cree que un guerrero no podía casarse o ascender en estatus sin haber obtenido al menos una cabeza.

En algunos rituales: Se ofrecía comida y/o bebida a los cráneos, se pedía a los espíritus de los vencidos que protegiesen los cultivos o ayudaran en la caza y se realizaban danzas o cantos rituales en su honor.

Aunque estos cráneos se tallaban y decoraban, se colgaban cerca del fuego o en las vigas superiores de las longhouses, y quedaban oscurecidos por el humo constante. Esto ayudaba a su conservación natural y les daba una pátina oscura muy característica, en ocasiones se cubrían o limpiaban ciertas zonas para proporcionar bonitos patrones bicolor.

Kelabit Skulls (Dayak Subgroup)

The Kelabit are an indigenous subgroup within the broader Dayak ethnic group, the name that encompasses many native peoples of Borneo (both in Malaysia and Indonesia).

Until the mid-20th century, the Kelabit practiced headhunting, a warrior tradition and ritual that included the decapitation of enemies in combat for spiritual purposes. It was a way to capture and possess their life force. Trophy heads were a symbol of victory, but also a channel of fertility, protection, and ancestral power. It is believed that a warrior could not marry or rise in status without having obtained at least one head.

In some rituals, food and/or drink were offered to the skulls, the spirits of the vanquished were asked to protect the crops or assist in hunting, and ritual dances or songs were performed in their honor.

Although these skulls were carved and decorated, they were hung near the fire or on the upper beams of longhouses, and were obscured by the constant smoke. This helped their natural preservation and gave them a very characteristic dark patina; sometimes certain areas were covered or cleaned to provide beautiful two-tone patterns.