Medicine Container

Batak, Sumatra
19th Century

This is a complete and original Toba Batak shaman’s medicine container with wooden stopper. Original complete examples are very rare. The bamboo container is beautifully decorated; it also retains some of the original red cloth that is wrapped on the top of the container. The stopper is beautifully carved; the Singa and rider are conceived in dynamic fashion; as the rider tilts back the Singa pushes forward giving a sense of movement to the sculpture. The patina is exceptional throughout; rich and encrusted. To the shaman these objects were sacred, for they held secret and magical concoctions. In excellent condition.

This container stands 9 inches tall.

SOLD / IN 8-5-10