Beaded Baby Carrier (Aban)

The baby carriers of the Dayak people in Borneo, Indonesia were decorated with demon-like figures to ward off evil spirits, protecting the swaddled baby. The front panel, called an Aban, is created with imported polychromatic glass beads, likely from Europe. This piece would be attached to a wicker basket with one open side and a wooden bottom. The open side would be against the mother’s back, and secured with a strap.

This piece is mounted.