Rhinoceros Hornbill

Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) are large, black or brown, and white, mainly arboreal birds, with large yellow and red heavy bill, and diagnostic white tail with a broad black band. Many species have large protuberant casques on top of the bill which may be gaudily coloured. Hornbills are found mainly in Africa, tropical Asia, Indonesia and Borneo Island. They eat fruits and insect and have harsh, penetrating calls.This species is found in low densities in most large blocks of lowland and hill forest. It is very conspicuous because of its size, habits, and whooshing sound of wing-beats during in flight from the tallest trees. In fact is generally present at low density forest.The rhinoceros hornbill is revered by most native peoples of Borneo as a harbinger of fortune and power. The Iban of Sarawak regarded the hornbill as the representative of the god of war, and celebrated a major rite in the bird’s honour.

The carved representation is an artist’s vision of the actual bird; depending on the carver’s skill and imagination with different stylized and outlook. Horn is developed into a scroll and intricately embellished; the decorations on the wings and tail of some hornbill figures relate to the community’s affairs.

In the old days, kenyalang figures were only carved for the purpose of celebrating a festival. Today’s artisans, free of ritual restriction, create these works of art to embellish their homes, public building, and occasionally display over the counter for sale in the carved shop.