Shaman’s Instrument

Batak; Sumatra Indonesia
19th Century

This is a beautiful example of a Batak ’lime squeezer’. These objects are used by shaman during divination.  The imagery is of a seated ancestor figure delicately rendered with wonderful attention to detail. There is just the slightest separation between the arms via a tiny dot of negative space. The fine median ridge extending from the head to the spine is another beautiful touch. From every angle this object is impressive, especially in profile; where you can see the back of the figure, it is a slope that perfectly flows into the hips and legs. The deep rich patina tells a story of extensive use.

This divination instrument stands 5 inches tall.

SOLD / IN 4-05-09