Ɵ Batak magic staff, Tunggal Panaluan, Sumatra,... Lot 14

Ɵ Batak magic staff, Tunggal Panaluan, Sumatra, Indonesia Probably late 19th - early 20th century Wood and cotton H. 124 cm Batak magic staff, Tunggal Panaluan, Sumatra, Indonesia H. 483/4 in Provenance: - John Graham Collection The Batak, like the neighbouring Karo and Toba, are one of the many ancient peoples living in the volcanic regions of North Sumatra around Lake Toba. They had a reputation as head hunters until the 19th century and the Dutch "conquest". The two objects presented here, with the top of the cane, are dedicated to magical-religious practices and are the property of the Datu, priest and sorcerer. All these canes present a succession of mythical creatures mixed with ancestral characters. Here, the harmonious and strong whole is covered with a black crusty patina.