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Stopper to Shaman’s Medicine Container

Batak; Sumatra Indonesia
19th Century

This is a fine example of a wooden stopper to a Toba Batak shaman’s medicine container. The figure is naturalistic in form while the Singa is more stylized and abstract. The face is emotive with eye insertions that project a magical presence. The original coiffure is of horse hair and the back of the head has a small square area for a puk-puk charge. The patina is deep and encrusted from generations of use and storage in the hut.

This stopper stands 7.5 inches in height.

SOLD / IN 5-09-09