Lot 80
Indonesia, Sumatra, Toba Batak peoples, ca. early 20th century. A very fine medicine horn ( known as naga marsarang) expertly hand-carved from deer horn that was made for a shaman to store a potent substance known as pupuk generally considered to be magical. It is comprised of two pieces that fit together. The curved medicine horn is meticulously incised with repeating zigzagging and swirling motifs. The tip of the horn depicts a praying human figure, kneeling and holding hands before chest. The other section of the medicine horn represents a singa, a mythological animal believed to possess protective powers and traditionally featured in Toba house design and objects of importance. Along the back of the singas neck are four human figures who kneel and hold each other around the waist; the figure at the front holds the singas central prominent horn. Size: 18.125" L x 8.75" H (46 cm x 22.2 cm)
See a similar example, though carved from buffalo horn and wood (accession number 2004.67.1) in the collection of the Bowers Museum. According to the Bowers curatorial description, "The Toba Batak people live in the northern mountainous highlands of Sumatra, one of the several islands that constitute the Republic of Indonesia. A medicine horn (naga marsarang) such as the one pictured here would have belonged to a religious specialist who was able to communicate with the gods, conduct ceremonies, practice benevolent and malevolent magic, and provide assistance and advice in matters concerning daily life. The medicine horn functioned as a container for a highly potent substance considered magical and even deadly. The substance, called pupuk was prepared, used and handled only by Batak religious specialists."
Provenance: ex-Don Christensen collection acquired 1960s and 1970s
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#155780
- Condition: Repair to neck of animal, with minute chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Both body and tail have minor nicks to and encrustations within some incised decorations. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.
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