Magic staff "tunggal panaluan" ·  Indonesia - Sumatra, Batak · ID: 3041605

Description

hardwood, dark shiny patina, nearly entirely carved with figures sitting in turn on a descending series of figures and animals, top male figure crowned by turban-like superstructure with tuft of animal hair, abundantly wrapped with black thread, metal tip, slightly dam., minor cracks, two nails for fixation in upper area, base;
such magic staffs were the most important objects carved and owned by the “datu” priest. The staffs were animated by inserting the magical substance “pupuk” into the heads and chests of the figures. This was an important ritual because the “datu” could most effectively obtain what he was asking for immediately after his staff was so animated. Staffs were believed to have so much power that, to prevent disaster, they were never stored inside the house but under the eaves of the “datu’s” hut. Small separate buildings “pantangan” were sometimes built to house the most powerful examples.

Comparing literature

Sibeth, Achim & Bruce W. Carpenter, Batak Sculpture, Singapore 2007, p. 64 ff.