Musket Ball Holder
Toba Batak, Sumatra, Indonesia
Early 20th c.
Provenance: Grace Goldberg collection, Harrison, NY, acquired in 1970 from Bobbi Nochimson- Entwistle. By descent to family member
The elongated face on this bullet holder is highly reminiscent of early Batak helmet masks. This example features star-like designs carved on either side of the head, while the bottom, where the musket balls are stored, is adorned with foliage-like patterns covering the entire surface. From the side, the bottom portion of this bullet holder resembles a hornbill, and this piece, with its natural curvature, exemplifies this characteristic beautifully. The patina is deep and worn from decades of tribal use.
Musket Ball Holder
Toba Batak, Sumatra, Indonesia
Early 20th c.
Provenance: Grace Goldberg collection, Harrison, NY, acquired in 1970 from Bobbi Nochimson- Entwistle. By descent to family member
The elongated face on this bullet holder is highly reminiscent of early Batak helmet masks. This example features star-like designs carved on either side of the head, while the bottom, where the musket balls are stored, is adorned with foliage-like patterns covering the entire surface. From the side, the bottom portion of this bullet holder resembles a hornbill, and this piece, with its natural curvature, exemplifies this characteristic beautifully. The patina is deep and worn from decades of tribal use.