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This young girl is from the Bidayuh community in Sarawak.  Priestesses who are spirit mediums control the spiritual life of the tribe and are recruited when small. This girl has been ordained and is already wearing the ceremonial hat, which is a specially tall seed-bead hat of conical shape.  Her innocent face appealed to me - she is probably too young to appreciate the path of her destiny.

This was painted from a black and white photograph. The colours are entirely my own. I hope I have not offended any quarter with spiritually-taboo hues.  I do not know if the colours I have chosen say anything of my mood or emotions, but I was happy with the result.

19. Child Priestess
       KL, Sept 03, 17.8 x 25.4 cm

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