Description:

Indonesia, Sumatra, Batak Peoples, ca. 19th century CE. A trio of wooden cylinders capped by round lids with figural finials depicting fantastical animals and humans. Each has its wooden body extensively carved. The smallest has a pattern of loops and swirls, while the other two have both abstract patterns and grids full of the distinctive Karo Batak script. These are divination scripts. Even though the Batak have a written language, they do not write down myths or histories; writing is reserved for very specific purposes, notably, the esoteric knowledge of the shaman ("datu"). These cylinders have hollow interiors, but are primarily meant to be used for divination. Size: 6.75" W x 8.4" H (17.1 cm x 21.3 cm)

See this British Library blog for more information on Batak writing: http://blogs.bl.uk/asian-and-african/2016/11/batak-manuscripts-in-the-british-library.html

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

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#129139

  • Condition: Patina from age and handling on all three. Small areas of surface cracking to wood, especially on the largest. The two smaller ones have functional lids; the lid is stuck in place on the tallest.

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December 5, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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