Dog, biang
Southern Batak, Sumatra, Indonesia
19th c.
Provenance: Karob collection, Margaret Wells, Boston, acquired in 1969 from Djody gallery, Jakarta
Figures like this are usually described as a dog. The muzzle of this statue is bared, exposing its teeth and tongue. According to early accounts, this statue was used by a datu priest to tell fortunes. Underneath the dog on its belly the square hole was used for the insertion of magical substance.
Dog, biang
Southern Batak, Sumatra, Indonesia
19th c.
Provenance: Karob collection, Margaret Wells, Boston, acquired in 1969 from Djody gallery, Jakarta
Figures like this are usually described as a dog. The muzzle of this statue is bared, exposing its teeth and tongue. According to early accounts, this statue was used by a datu priest to tell fortunes. Underneath the dog on its belly the square hole was used for the insertion of magical substance.