Dayak Naga Beaded Ritual Mat

This beadwork is a traditional creation of the Dayak Kenyah people of Borneo, featuring the naga (dragon) motif, one of the most sacred and noble designs in their artistic tradition. The dragon represents water, the source of life, fertility, and prosperity. In Kenyah belief, water sustains crops, heals illness, and purifies misfortune; thus, the naga is revered as a life-giving force. Because of its deep symbolic power, this motif was historically reserved for the paren, or noble class, as a sign of protection and abundance. Beadwork holds a central place in Dayak culture. Historically, beads were valuable trade items, exchanged with Chinese and Indian merchants, and often served as family heirlooms or symbols of wealth.

Dayak Kenyah Tribe
Origin: East Borneo
Material: Colored Glass Beads
Dimension: 54 x 53 cm