Ceremonial Lime Squeezer

Batak, Sumatra, Indonesia
19th – early 20th c.

Previous Collection: James Willis, CA.

This is a very fine and early example of Toba Batak art. During certain ceremonies the Datu priest would use Lime squeezers during important rituals.  This example while sculpturally compact, is beautifully detailed. The wood has an attractive reddish-brown hue to it and the surface is incredibly worn from handling. Both hands grasp the knees, which is classic Batak positioning; but due to the excessive wear it is almost as if the hands have fused together. All of the highpoints have softened from generations of use.  There are areas of black encrustation in the crevasses, but most of it is worn away. Also, note the excessive wear to the tool at the bottom; it speaks to this object’s involvement in countless ceremonies. There are a few stabilized age cracks but in otherwise excellent condition.