Ancestor figure "debata idup" ·  Indonesia - Sumatra, Batak · ID: 3047828

Description

wood, miniature glass beads, base

This figure was originally part of a pair of ancestor figures “debata idup”, which were carved in the image of the founding ancestors of a clan or village. Like the elaborate magic wands, they were usually made by the “datu” priests.

They were placed on racks inside the house where they were regularly “fed” and anointed. They played an important role in fertility rituals for childless couples.

The object Ancestor figure “debata idup” with the object ID 3047828 was last part of the auction 96th Auction at April 24, 2021 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 12 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,500.

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Comparing literature

Sibeth, Achim & Bruce W. Carpenter, Batak Sculpture, Singapore 2007, p. 138