Shamanism: A Brief History of the Ancient Art of Healing

This introduction and following series of related posts on shamanism serve as an online version of our 2017 fall exhibition, ‘Balancing The Universe: Shamanic Amulets, Instruments and Costumes’. We also have a full color photo catalog available of the all the pieces in the show and 12 color postcards of selected pieces. Scroll down to see catalog and cards at end of this post.

You have likely heard the term ‘Shaman’, but who were – or, are they? Shamanism is an intriguing phenomenon.
Since the beginning of humanity, there has been a need to cure the ailing, and to integrate the physical and spiritual worlds. This universal need gave rise to the art of healing or, ‘Shamanism’. A shaman is a highly trained and disciplined, man or woman, who can enter the spirit world at will to communicate with and influence spirits in service to their community. They have been the keepers of knowledge, the healers, the priests, and the philosophers in virtually all societies around the globe.

Animism, the belief that all things have souls, is another globally shared phenomenon and forms the spiritual origins of the rituals and traditions that most of us in the modern western world see as mysterious. But what is art, science or religion without mystery? Art and spirit converge in this show to take you on a journey into the inspiring and enlightening unknown.

All shaman have a unique repertoire of amulets, instruments, and costumes essential to their own culture. This exhibition includes a wide range of  spiritual artifacts personally collected by David Bardwick over the last fifteen years from Nepal, Nagaland and Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand, and across the Indonesian Islands.

Shamanism is a matter of curiosity for those unfamiliar with its conventions, but it endures as a universal healing method and path to the spirit world which are integral parts of daily life for billions of people around the world

The catalog includes a dedication and personal forward from the collector, David Bardwick, of the David Alan Collection, and text on the history of Shamanism and of shamanism specific to each of the locations/cultures represented.
Exhibition Catalog from the Balancing The Universe: Shamanic Amulets, Instruments and Costume. A full color, 72 page catalog of almost all of the Shaman objects in the exhibition. $14. 
Postcards of selected pieces from the Shamanic Objects exhibition at David Alan Collection. they are a collection of pieces from Nepal, Vietnam , Myanmar and from several different islands in Indonesia. They are all authentic, rare objects used by Shaman priests for healing and for other various tribal rituals performed for the good of the community
12 color postcards for $12. Selected shaman pieces from the Balancing The Universe exhibition.

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
‘Pangulubalang’ Shaman Figure (exceptionally rare), Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak, Simalungun, Mid 16th to 17th c, Stone

‘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

Shaman’s Medicine/Magic Book, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Late 19th to early 20th c, Wood cover, bark pages. 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” x 6 ½” x 2 ½”,$3200.
Shaman’s Medicine/Magic Book, Sumatra, Indonesia,
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)

Shaman’s Medicine/Magic Book, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Late 19th to early 20th c, Wood cover, bark pages. 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” x 6 ½” x 2 ½”,$3200.
inside detail Batak Pustaha (previous image shaman book)
'Pustaha' or Shaman Medicine Book, Indonesia, Sumatra, Batak tribe, Wood cover, bark pages and braided rattan band. Late 19th or early 20th c, 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.
‘Pustaha’ or Shaman Medicine Book, Indonesia, Sumatra, Batak tribe, Late 19th or early 20th c, Wood cover, bark pages and braided rattan band. 

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

Inside Detail of 'Pustaha' or Shaman Medicine Book, Indonesia, Sumatra, Batak tribe, Wood cover, bark pages and braided rattan band. Late 19th or early 20th c, 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.
Inside Detail of ‘Pustaha’ or Shaman Medicine Book (for cover, see previous image)
Female Effigy Figure Sumatra, Indonesia Batak tribe Mid 19th c. Wood, shell eyes, cloth, pigmented Use healing 16” x 19 ½” x 7” $2200.
Female Effigy Figure, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Mid 19th c, Wood, shell eyes, cloth

Used in healing rituals, 16” x 19 ½” x 7”, $2200. SOLD

Cat Amulet Sumatra, Indonesia Batak Tribe Early 20th century Wood, pigmented with soot, patina from age and use 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. 5 ¼ “ x 4” x 2” $450.
Cat Amulet, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak Tribe, Early 20th c, Wood pigmented with soot

.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.

Shaman Divining Effigy, Sumatra, Indonesia, Karo village, Batak tribe, Late 19th c, Wood, pigment, fiber cord, smooth patina from use and age. Used to predict the future. 20” x 9” x 6”, $1450.
Shaman Divining Effigy, Sumatra, Indonesia, Karo village, Batak tribe, Late 19th c, Wood, pigment, fiber cord

Used in rituals to predict the future. 20” x 9” x 6”, $1450.

'Pustaha' or Shaman Medicine/Magic Book, Indonesia, Sumatra, Batak tribe, Wood cover, bark pages and braided rattan band. Late 19th or early 20th c, 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.
‘Pustaha’ or Shaman Medicine/Magic Book, Indonesia, Sumatra, Batak tribe, Wood cover, bark pages and braided rattan band

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

Shaman's Medicine/Magic Book, Sumatra, Indonesia Batak tribe, Early 19th c, Wood cover, bark pages. 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.
Shaman’s Medicine/Magic Book, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Early 19th c, Wood cover, bark pages

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)

Inside Detail of Shaman's Medicine/Magic Book, Sumatra, Indonesia Batak tribe, Early 19th c, Wood cover, bark pages
Inside Detail of Shaman’s Medicine/Magic Book (see cover in previous image)
Shaman Effigy Statue, Sumatra Island, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Early to mid 20th c, Wood, metal, pigment, patinated with use and age. For protecting the shaman during healing rituals. 15 ¾” x 5” x 4 ¾”, $800.
Shaman Effigy Statue, Sumatra Island, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Early to mid 20th c, Wood, metal, pigment

For protecting the shaman during healing rituals. 15 ¾” x 5” x 4 ¾”, $800. SOLD

Shaman's Magic Staff, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, plant fiber, rattan, pigmented with soot. Used for calling spirits and in healing rituals. 56 ½” x 5” x 4 ¾”, $1600.
Shaman’s Magic Staff, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, plant fiber, rattan, pigmented with soot

Used for calling spirits and in healing rituals. 56 ½” x 5” x 4 ¾”, $1600.

Shaman Figure andOffering Platter, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Late 19th c, Wood, animal hair. For making offerings to spirits and deities. 18 ½’ x 14” x 14”, $650.
Shaman Figure and Offering Platter, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Late 19th c, Wood, animal hair

For making offerings to spirits and deities. 18 ½’ x 14” x 14”, $650.

Shaman Mortar/Bowl, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Early to mid 20th c. Wood, Used for grinding medicinal herbs. Singha (Lion) figure, 5 ½” x 5 ¾” x 12 ¼”, $420.
Shaman Mortar/Bowl, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Early to mid 20th c.
Wood

Used for grinding medicinal herbs. Singha (Lion) figure, 5 ½” x 5 ¾” x 12 ¼”, $420.

Shaman's Medicine Container, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, rattan, fiber cord, pigmented. 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.)
Shaman’s Medicine Container, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, rattan, fiber cord, pigmented

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.)

Shaman's Wand, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe Mid 20th c, Wood, patinated from use and age. Ritual zoomorphic amulet for healing rituals. (left/small - 2” x 6 ½” x 1 ¼”, $120.); (2” x 7 ½” x 1”, $110.)
Shaman’s Wand, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Mid 20th c, Wood

Ritual zoomorphic amulet for healing rituals. (left/small – 2” x 6 ½” x 1 ¼”, $120.); (2” x 7 ½” x 1”,$110.)

Shaman Ritual Spirit Door, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Late 19th c, Wood, patinated with age and use. 52 ¼” x 16” x 6 ½”, $2200.
Shaman Ritual Spirit Door, Sumatra, Indonesia, Batak tribe, Late 19th c, Wood

The door from a shaman’s hut. 52 ¼” x 16” x 6 ½”, $2200. (see handle detail below)

Handle Detail of Shaman Ritual Spirit Door (see previous image)
Handle Detail of Shaman Ritual Spirit Door (see previous image)

Shaman, Asian Art and Healing Magic: The Debut of a 15 Year Collection

Shamanic Culture, Tribal Art, Healing and Magic converge in an unmatched, museum quality collection of over 300 shaman pieces from across SE Asia. We had an opening extravaganza to debut the rare amulets, instruments and costumes, acquired over the last 15 years.  

It took months to research the individual pieces that represent many different, ancient healing cultures from South East Asia – Nepal, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Nagaland (India) and across the 17,000 Islands of Indonesia. Some of the pieces have been passed down through generations of healers and date back 400 years. Please inquire for a tour of the magical mystery pieces! If you have the time to browse, we learned a lot and would love to share all the intriguing histories.

For continuity, we have grouped the blog entries by country and culture. Check back as we continue to add a full listing and photographs of all pieces in the original exhibition.