Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in Sumatra, Indonesia
Sumatra is one island in the SE Asian chain of 17,ooo islands that make up Indonesia. The cultures specific to different islands have long been isolated from one another resulting is significant diversity. It is therefore helpful to organize the following Indonesian descriptions into major sub-groupings. Please browse through the following posts: Sumatra (Batak tribes), Borneo (Dayak tribes), Mentawai, and the Lesser Sunda Islands of Sumba, Flores, Timor and Lombok, among others to get the entirety of Indonesia.
Sumatra: One of Indonesia’s largest islands, it is home to the Batak tribes. Batak Datu, or shaman, are erudite men with a long esoteric history encompassing both white and black magic. They have the power to exercise power even after death. Like walking encyclopedias, they are well educated and proficient in science, history, medicine, theology and economics.
Becoming a Batak shaman is not a matter of choice as in many cultures where one recognizes a calling and seeks training. They are most often identified at a young age and obligated to serve a long apprenticeship. Their repertoire includes the ability to cast spells, influence the weather, find lost objects, and diagnose and treat physical and metal illnesses. They are also highly trained and prolific artist/craftsmen, required to produce their own sacred objects and medicines. The accordion style shaman books, written in the Batak language to preserve their healing and magical knowledge, are works of art in themselves.
‘Pangulubalang’ Shaman Figure (exceptionally rare), Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak, Simalungun, Mid 16th to 17th c, Stone, with patina. They are specifically made by the shaman and embodied with a powerful spirit slave. They are used in conjunction with a magical substance, ‘pupuk’ – a magical substance which is the embodiment of earthly suffering, destruction, hate and anger – which required special ingredients and a long and intricate preparation ritual. The purpose of this was to imbue the statue with the power to ward off evil spirits, to prevent disasters and as a dynamic healing tool. For healing, small bits of the statue itself were chipped off of corresponding body parts and made into a potion. 12” x 7 ¾” x 3 ½”, Price on request
Batak tribe, Late 19th to early 20th c, Wood cover, bark pages
The book unfolds like an accordion. The wooden cover is fairly austere with a small carving on the front. It contains the shaman’s magic formulas (tabas), oracles, recipes for medicines and instructions for performing rituals and for producing magic cures. It contains three main divisions of knowledge: the art of preserving life; the art of destroying life and the art of fortune telling. 8” x 6 ½” x 2 ½”,$3200. (see image below for inside detail)
The book unfolds like an accordion. It contains the shaman’s magic formulas (tabas), oracles, recipes for medicines and instructions for performing rituals and for producing magic cures. It contains three main divisions of knowledge: the art of preserving life; the art of destroying life and the art of fortune telling. 4 ½” x 3 ½” x 2”, $2200. (see inside detail below) SOLD
Used in healing rituals, 16” x 19 ½” x 7”, $2200. SOLD
.Amulets and Talismans are often used by the Datu (Shaman priest) as well as by the tribes people. There are innumerable ways in which a person can protect themselves as well as their village with these amulets. This cat-like figure was empowered to protect against wild animals, enemies and black magic. This one has a beautiful smooth patina from use and age. 5 ¼ “ x 4” x 2”, $450.
Used in rituals to predict the future. 20” x 9” x 6”, $1450.
The book unfolds like an accordion. It contains the shaman’s magic formulas (tabas), oracles, recipes for medicines and instructions for performing rituals and for producing magic cures. It contains three main divisions of knowledge: the art of preserving life; the art of destroying life and the art of fortune telling. 1 ¾” x 2 ¼” x 3”, $1200. SOLD
The book unfolds like an accordion. It contains the shaman’s magic formulas (tabas), oracles, recipes for medicines and instructions for performing rituals and for producing magic cures. It contains three main divisions of knowledge: the art of preserving life; the art of destroying life and the art of fortune telling. 8 ¼” x 5 ¼” x 2 ¾”, $3800. SOLD (see inside detail below)
For protecting the shaman during healing rituals. 15 ¾” x 5” x 4 ¾”, $800. SOLD
Used for calling spirits and in healing rituals. 56 ½” x 5” x 4 ¾”, $1600.
For making offerings to spirits and deities. 18 ½’ x 14” x 14”, $650.
Wood
Used for grinding medicinal herbs. Singha (Lion) figure, 5 ½” x 5 ¾” x 12 ¼”, $420.
Hung in a shaman’s home to store medicines. (left/large – 17” x 7 ¼” x 7 ¼”, $475.); (right/small -12” x 6 ¼” 6 ¼”, $375.)
Ritual zoomorphic amulet for healing rituals. (left/small – 2” x 6 ½” x 1 ¼”, $120.); (2” x 7 ½” x 1”,$110.)
The door from a shaman’s hut. 52 ¼” x 16” x 6 ½”, $2200. (see handle detail below)
