Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in Sulawesi and Papua New Guinea

SULAWESI, Greater Sunda Islands (first 2 images):

'Lupong Manang' - Shaman’s Medicine Carrier/Backpack with Healing Figures (rare), South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Toraja tribe, Mid 20th c, Wood, The Shaman made his own medicine kit to contain items for healing, protections and predictions – such as special teeth, stones and other items. The figures on the exterior correspond to illnesses and other conditions or ailments. 19” x 9 ½” x 10”, $2200.
‘Lupong Manang’ – Shaman’s Medicine Carrier/Backpack with Healing Figures (rare), South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Toraja tribe, Mid 20th c, Wood

Shaman made their own medicine kits, including wooden backpacks, to contain items for healing, protections and predictions – such as special teeth, stones and other items. The figures on the exterior correspond to illnesses and other conditions or ailments. 19” x 9 ½” x 10”, $2200.

Shaman’s Medicine Box, Sulawesi, Indonesia, Toraja tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, patinated with use and age. Container for medicinal, herbs for healing. 14 ¼” x 9 ¼” x 8”, $290.
Shaman’s Medicine Box, Sulawesi, Indonesia, Toraja tribe, Early 20th c, Wood

Container for medicinal, herbs for healing. 14 ¼” x 9 ¼” x 8”, $290.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

Sacred Flute with Wusear Effigy Stopper, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Biwat people, Early 20th c, Flute body - Bamboo, raffia. Effigy Figure - Carved in wood, this figure is particularly elaborate - shell eyes, feather eyelashes, woven clothing and shell and feather adornments with tar and string. Played in pairs for the initiation ceremony for boys. The flute had the power to be voices of the spirits. The anthropomorphic figures or Wusear are specific to these flutes and were inserted into the top when not in use to prevent evil spirits from entering the sacred instruments. They were kept in the homes of the shaman and it was taboo for women and children to see them. 55” x 9 ½” x 8”, $9500.
Sacred Flute with Wusear Effigy Stopper, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Biwat people, Early 20th c, Flute body – Bamboo, raffia. Effigy Figure – Carved in wood, this figure is particularly elaborate – shell eyes, feather eyelashes, woven clothing and shell and feather adornments with tar and string

Played in pairs for the initiation ceremony for boys. The flute had the power to be voices of the spirits. The anthropomorphic figures or Wusear are specific to these flutes and were inserted into the top when not in use to prevent evil spirits from entering the sacred instruments. They were kept in the homes of the shaman and it was taboo for women and children to see them.  55” x 9 ½” x 8”, $9500. SOLD

Shaman Shell Necklace, Papua New Guinea (Irian Jaya), Indonesia, Mid 20th c. Shell, cloth, fiber cord. Worn by the shaman for healing ceremonies. 19” x 15” x 3 ½” $850.
Shaman Shell Necklace, Papua New Guinea (Irian Jaya), Indonesia, Mid 20th c, Shell, cloth, fiber cord

Worn by the shaman for healing ceremonies. 19” x 15” x 3 ½” $850.

Shaman Magic Figure, Papúa New Guinea, Indonesia, Early 20th c, Wood, fiber. Used in ritual ceremonies to stop rain. 11 ½” x 1 ½” x 1 ¼”, $135.
Shaman Magic Figure, Papúa New Guinea, Indonesia, Early 20th c, Wood

Used in ritual ceremonies to stop rain. 11 ½” x 1 ½” x 1 ¼”, $135.

Shaman Talisman Figure, Papúa New Guinea, Indonesia, Early 20th c, Wood. Used in ritual ceremonies to stop rain. (Figure on right - 12 ½” x 2” x 2 ½”, Sold)
Shaman Talisman Figure, Papúa New Guinea, Indonesia, Early 20th c, Wood (figure on right)

Used in ritual ceremonies to stop rain. (Figure on right – 12 ½” x 2” x 2 ½”, SOLD)

Shaman Healing Stones Necklace, Papua, New Guinea (Irian Jaya), Indonesia, Early to mid 20th c, Stone, Shells, cloth fiber cord. Used in healing ceremonies. 18” x 5” x 1”, $550.
Shaman Healing Stones Necklace, Papua, New Guinea (Irian Jaya), Indonesia, Early to mid 20th c, Stone, Shells, cloth fiber cord

Used in healing ceremonies. 18” x 5” x 1”, $550.

Shaman Healing Stone Necklaces, Papua, New Guinea (Irian Jaya), Indonesia, Early to mid 20th c, Stone, Shells, cloth fiber cord. Used in healing ceremonies. Dimensions: 16" to 20" long, $110. each
Shaman Healing Stone Necklaces, Papua, New Guinea (Irian Jaya), Indonesia, Early to mid 20th c, Stone, Shells, cloth fiber cord

Used in healing ceremonies. Dimensions: 16″ to 20″ long, $110. each