RARE BATAK SHAMAN'S CHARM FIGURE

Origin:   Indonesia, Northern Sumatra, Batak People  (Provenance: Purchased from Djody in Jakarta by Karob Collection (Boston) in 1969.  Ex. Bruce Frank NY)

Period/Date:  19th Century

Materials:  Hardwood

Dimensions:  Height 7.75" (19.7 cm),  Width 1"  (2.5 cm) 

Description:  This slender figure with expressive facial features is a magical object to behold.   It would have been used by a shaman who persuaded malevolent spirits to take residence into the charm who had no place in the spirit world.  It would then be used to serve the Shaman and protect against witchcraft and evil spirits.  It has a deep hole in the chest which once  contained a ritual "pukpuk" charge.   It has acquired an encrusted patina from many years of traditional use.  Batak material of this vintage is very difficult to come by nowadays.

Price:   $1800   Currency Conversion      FREE SHIPPING With (Buy Now) Feature!