The Dayaks view life as wholly dependent on nature and whose favor they must seek. This necessitates a constant cycle of ceremonies in which ancestors are venerated and nature propitiated. One such ritual is the naik dango ceremony to express gratitude for a good harvest. During this ceremony, a Hudoq mask representing a dragon-bird composite is used to repel bad spirits to ensure peace and good fortune for the community. The magical power of a hudoq mask is evident in this example, especially in the wide-open eyes, prominent beak and a face painted all over with the aso (dragon) motifs. Such masks were typically destroyed after use.
Hudoq ceremonial dance, Bahau Dayaks, East Kalimantan. Photo: Michael Palmeri