Sumatran shaman’s charm
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Description
This intriguing, early C20th, figure is almost certainly carved by a shaman (datu) of the Batak people of Sumatra to assist in religious rituals, such as contacting spirits of the dead, predicting auspicious days and curing sickness.
This figure would be often filled with a magical potion (pupuk) to increase its efficiency, and then attached to the top of a “magic stick|”, also carved by the shaman..
The ritual staff (tungkot malehat) is the most important possession of the datu.
Materials
Ebony wood with etched metal decoration at the base of the figure.
Contemporary-made display stand
20cm tall, including stand