Magic staff "tungkot malehat" · Indonesia - Sumatra, Toba / Karo - Batak · ID: 3047819
sold
EUR 1,000
Provenance
Piet Lepelaar, Leiden, The NetherlandsSize
L: 168,5 cm
L: 66.3 inch
Description
wood, pigment remains, tin, animal hair,
Magic wands “tungkot malehat” and “tunggal panaluan” are among the most important utensils of the “datu” priests.
In secret rituals charged with magical substances “pupuk”, they become objects of great power used for the well-being of the community.
They are used to fight evil spirits and were employed as aids to promote healing or to affect the weather and they can also play a role in affairs of state, can act as a guarantor for truces and agreements.
Comparing literature
Sibeth, Achim & Bruce W. Carpenter, Batak Sculpture, Singapore 2007, p. 64 ff.