We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Quiver for poison darts (tolor or telenga)

19th century-20th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Other Titles
    Poison dart container
    Container for poison darts
    Place where the work was made
    East Kalimantan Kalimantan Borneo Indonesia
    Cultural origin
    Modang
    Date
    19th century-20th century
    Media categories
    Arms & armour , Woodwork
    Materials used
    bamboo, wood, rattan
    Dimensions
    42.5 x 11.0 x 9.0 cm :

    a - Part a, 40 x 12 x 9 cm

    b - Part b, 10 x 9 x 8 cm

    Credit
    Christopher Worrall Wilson Bequest 2010
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    546.2010.a-b
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Share
  • About

    Quivers fashioned from bamboo tubes were used by hunters throughout Borneo to hold blowpipe darts for the hunting of animals. This lidded tube was an essential item used to protect the hunter from the darts that were treated with strong plant derived poisons intended to stun prey. A long clip carved from wood and fastened to the bamboo tube with plaited rattan would have been used to attach the quiver to the hunter’s loincloth or belt. Hunting, like many utilitarian activities on Borneo, was associated with physical and spiritual perils. Symbolic imagery in the form of guardian dragon–dog (‘aso’) motifs, depicted on the clip of this quiver, would have provided protection to the hunter against misfortune and malevolent nature spirits.

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition

    • Glorious, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 27 May 2017–06 Jan 2019

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 2 publications

  • Provenance

    Christopher Wilson, pre Nov 1986-1996, Sydney/New South Wales/Australia, probably purchased in Sarawak, Malaysia mid 1970s or 1985. Appears in 'Southeast Asian tribal art', an unpublished text by Christopher Wilson, College of Fine Arts, Sydney, November 1986.

    Mariann Ford, 1996-Dec 2010, Sydney/New South Wales/Australia, inherited from the estate of Christopher Wilson. Gift to the Art Gallery of New South Wales as part of the Christopher Worrall Wilson Bequest 2010.