Wooden Top to a Perminaken Container
Toba Batak, Indonesia
19th-Early 20th c
Provenance: Noble and Jean Endicott, NY.
This stopper has been delicately carved, and demonstrates the Batak genius in carving small object d’art. A stylized humanistic rider sits upon a Singa figure. Singa figures are composite creatures, combining elements of a horse, with elements of a naga figure, or mythical snake, and a humanistic face. These containers would have contained magical medicines and were carried by diviners or priests. Its condition is excellent, and its surface exhibits a dark sooty and greasy patina.
Wooden Top to a Perminaken Container
Toba Batak, Indonesia
19th-Early 20th c
Provenance: Noble and Jean Endicott, NY.
This stopper has been delicately carved, and demonstrates the Batak genius in carving small object d’art. A stylized humanistic rider sits upon a Singa figure. Singa figures are composite creatures, combining elements of a horse, with elements of a naga figure, or mythical snake, and a humanistic face. These containers would have contained magical medicines and were carried by diviners or priests. Its condition is excellent, and its surface exhibits a dark sooty and greasy patina.