shaman priest

Sumba Island is part of the ‘The Lesser Sunda Islands’ – the long sweeping chain of islands south of Bali that make up the southern part of Indonesia. In the following posts we include items from Sumba, Flores, Timor, Lombok and a few others. There are many similarities in belief systems throughout the Lesser Sundas but the material culture is unique to each island.
Although the people of Sumba are now mostly of Christian or Muslim faith, their ancient Animistic belief system remain a powerful influence in daily life. This is reflected in the art and tools of shaman priests. Shaman are still a fundamental part of society, presiding over new building construction, births, deaths, marriages, mock wars and other cultural rituals and celebrations. Their blessings and protection rituals are essential to the well being of the community and the individual’s physical and spiritual health.
The tribal, hilltop villages which which consist of twelve to twenty to twenty stilt houses, are much the same as they were hundreds of years ago, as are most of the practices of everyday life. Sumba was one of the last islands to come under the control of the Indonesian government in the early 1970s, leaving the old culture mostly intact to this day.

Shaman Charms, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Lamboya village, Early 20th c, Wood, smooth patina from use and age. Healing amulets. 3 ½” x 2” x 2” (container); 1 ¼” x ¾’ x ½” (each figure), $375. — Shaman Charms, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Lamboya village, Early 20th c, Wood

Healing charms used in rituals. The shaman figures and their container have become smooth with a darkened patina from use and age. 3 ½” x 2” x 2” (container); 1 ¼” x ¾’ x ½” (each figure), $375. SOLD

Shaman Effigy, Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Late 19th c, Stone, pigment, cloth, Used for healing and to protect shaman from ghost spirits, 6 ½” x 5 ½” x 5”, $725. — Shaman Effigy, Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Late 19th c, Stone, pigment, cloth

Used for healing and to protect shaman from ghost spirits, 6 ½” x 5 ½” x 5”, $725. (see image below of both the above shaman figures together)

additional view of Shaman Effigy and Shaman Charms

Shaman Drum, Sumba Island, Indonesia, Early to mid 20th c, Animal skin stretched over wood, Used by shaman to initiate and maintain a trance state during rituals, 17 ½” x 10 ½’ x 10”, $490. — Shaman Drum, Sumba Island, Indonesia, Early to mid 20th c, Animal skin stretched over wood

Used by shaman to initiate and maintain a trance state during rituals, 17 ½” x 10 ½’ x 10”, SOLD

Hunting Spirit Guide, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Kodi village. Early to mid 20th c. Wood, patinated with use and age. Spirit guide figure to pray to before hunting or fishing. 7” x 6 ½” x 16”, $325. — Hunting Spirit Guide, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Kodi village. Early to mid 20th c. Wood

Spirit guide figure to pray to before hunting or fishing. This piece has a nice patina from age and use. 7” x 6 ½” x 16”, SOLD

Shaman Figure with Alligator, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Kodi tribe, Mid to late 19th c, Wood, Used for protection rituals. 19 ¾” x 4 ¼” x 4”, $750. — Shaman Figure with Alligator, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Kodi tribe, Mid to late 19th c, Wood

Used for protection rituals. 19 ¾” x 4 ¼” x 4”, $750.

Magic Amulet/Talisman Figure, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Anakalang village Mid 20th c, Wood Magic amulet used for healing rituals. Sold — Magic Amulet/Talisman Figure, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Anakalang village, Mid 20th c, Wood

Magic amulet used for healing rituals. SOLD

Shaman Magic Amulet Male Figure, West Sumba, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Anakalang village, Early 20th c, Wood. Used for healing rituals. 7 ¾” x 2 ½” x 5 ¼”, $180. — Shaman Magic Amulet Male Figure, West Sumba, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Anakalang village, Early 20th c, Wood.

Used for healing rituals. 7 ¾” x 2 ½” x 5 ¼”, $180. SOLD

Magic Figure, Woman with Child, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Late 19th c, Stone. Used to heal and protect woman and child. 5 ½” 7” x 3 ¼”, $230. — Magic Figure, Woman with Child, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Late 19th c, Stone

Used to heal and protect woman and child. 5 ½” 7” x 3 ¼”, $230. SOLD

Hanging Effigy and Herb Bowl - set, East Sumba Island, Indonesia, Soru village, Early 20th c, Wood, coconut, fiber string. The effigy hanger gives great healing power to the herbs placed in the coconut bowl suspended below it. The bowl has three bird figure and three carved faces with an amulet head hanging below it. 30” x 6” x 6”, $1200. — Hanging Effigy and Herb Bowl – set, East Sumba Island, Indonesia, Soru village, Early 20th c, Wood

The effigy hanger gives great healing power to the herbs placed in the coconut bowl suspended below it. The bowl has three bird figure and three carved faces with an amulet head hanging below it. 30” x 6” x 6”, $1200.

Shaman Healing Couple Effigy, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Anakalang village Early to mid 20th c, Wood, fiber cloth, patinated with use and age, Used in healing rituals and to fix marriages. Dimensions: (left, male: 5 ¼” x 3 ¼” x 2”); (right, female: 5” x 3” x 2”), $420. sold as a pair — Shaman Healing Couple Effigy, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Anakalang village, Early to mid 20th c, Wood, fiber cloth

Used in healing rituals and to fix marriages. Dimensions: (left, male: 5 ¼” x 3 ¼” x 2”); (right, female: 5” x 3” x 2”), $420. sold as a pair

Healing Amulet/Talisman, Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Early 19th c, Stone, patinated with use and age. Used in healing rituals. 6 ½” x 2 ½” x 2 ½”, $370. — Healing Amulet/Talisman, Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Early 19th c, Stone

Patinated with use and age, this figure was used in healing rituals. 6 ½” x 2 ½” x 2 ½”, $370.

Shaman Healing Amulet/Talisman - Cow, Octopus, Monkey, Bird West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia Early 20th c, Wood. Used in healing rituals, 10” x 16” x 13”, $600. — Shaman Healing Amulet/Talisman – Cow, Octopus, Monkey, Bird, West Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Early 20th c, Wood

This is an unusual piece. It is multi-sided and combines several different animals which become recognizable as you turn the piece. This view show a monkey. Its feet are duck-like bird heads. If you flip the piece over, it persents as the head of a cow and of an octopus depending on the angle you view it. Used in healing rituals, 10” x 16” x 13”, $600. (see image below for another angle showing the cow/octopus)

For healing related to childbirth, 5” x 3 ¾” x 4”, SOLD

Shaman Magic Medicine Bottle Stopper, East Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia Mid 19th c, Wood, patinated with use and age. Talisman figure with child, used empower the healing medicine in the bottle. 3” x 1 ¼” x 1 ¼”, $80. — Shaman Magic Medicine Bottle Stopper, East Sumba Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Mid 19th c, Wood

Talisman figure with child, used empower the healing medicine in the bottle. 3” x 1 ¼” x 1 ¼”, $80. SOLD

Used in healing rituals. 35 ½ x 2 ¼” x 1 ½”, $700.

Effigy Mask Trap, East Sumba, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Tana Mabanas village, Late 19th to early 20th c, Coconut, wood, pigment. Hangs in shaman’s house. Gathers and traps black magic. The shaman will then perform a ritual to disperse them and to keep them from returning. 9 ½” x 8” x 10 ¾”, $700. — Effigy Mask Trap, East Sumba, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, Tana Mabanas village, Late 19th to early 20th c, Coconut, wood, pigment

Hangs in shaman’s house. Gathers and traps black magic. The shaman will then perform a ritual to disperse them and to keep them from returning. 9 ½” x 8” x 10 ¾”, $700. (see below image for side view) SOLD

Borneo, home of the Dayak tribes is one of the largest islands in Indonesia, and is of volcanic origin. Their ancient belief system, like that across most of Indonesia, is Animistic – the belief that they are descendants of a bird/dragon/serpent. This is visually represented by the pervasive motifs in their art. Shaman are intrinsic to Dayak religion. They bring together the spirit world, the mortal world, and the underworld and thus serve to maintain the balance of life, protecting the community, and healing the sick. Although the Dayak are a peace loving people, they were historically feared by outsiders for their little understood practice of headhunting. In reality, a head is taken only after death during war, and is taken out of respect for the spirit.

'Lupong Manang' Shaman’s Medicine Carrier/Backpack with Healing Charm Figures (rare), East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe. Late 19th to early 20th c, Wood, braided reed, feathers. 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. 17 ½” x 13” x 13”, $4800. — ‘Lupong Manang’ Shaman’s Medicine Carrier/Backpack with Healing Charm Figures (rare), East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe. Late 19th to early 20th c, Wood, braided reed, feathers

The Shaman makes his own traveling medicine kit. It would typically contain items for healing, protections and predictions – such as special teeth, stones, herbs and other magical items. The figures on the exterior correspond to illnesses and other conditions or ailments. 17 ½” x 13” x 13”, $4800. SOLD

Shaman Figure with Cap, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe Early 20th c, Ironwood. Used for healing rituals. 13” x ¾” x 8” x 6”, $390. — Shaman Figure with Cap, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe Early 20th c, Ironwood

Used in healing rituals. 13” x ¾” x 8” x 6”, $390.

Shaman Healing Amulet, Necklace, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Mid 19th to early 20th c, Root wood pigmented with soot, shell, animal teeth, cloth pouches, glass beads, disk beads, patinated with age and use. Used for healing rituals. The amulets correspond to various illnesses and conditions. 26” x 8” x 2 ½”, $2400. — Shaman Healing Amulet, Necklace, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Mid 19th to early 20th c, Root wood pigmented with soot, shell, animal teeth, cloth pouches, glass beads, disk beads, patinated with age and use

Used for healing rituals. The amulets correspond to various illnesses and conditions. 26” x 8” x 2 ½”, $2400. (see image below for detail)

Shaman Healing Fetish, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, pigmented with soot, patinated with age and use. For healing rituals. 6 ½” x 13” x 10”, $250. — Shaman Healing Fetish, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, pigmented with soot

For healing rituals. 6 ½” x 13” x 10”, $250.

Shaman’s Amulet/Talisman Figures for Healing, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe. Dimensions/Info Left to Right: (Early 20th c. Wood, 4 ¾” x 1 ½” x 1 ½”, $90.); (Late 19th to early 20th c, Wood, 5” x 2 ½” x 1 ½”, $90.); (Mid 20th c, Wood, Stopper for shaman’s medicine container, 5 ¾” x 1” x 1 ¼”, $130.); ( Early 20th c. Wood, Used for healing a child, 3 ¼” x 1” x 1 ¾”, $85.) — Shaman Amulet/Talisman Figures for Healing, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Wood, :Late 19th to Mid 20th c

Dimensions/Info Left to Right: (Early 20th c. Wood, 4 ¾” x 1 ½” x 1 ½”, $90.) ; (Late 19th to early 20th c, Wood, stopper for medicine bottle – 5” x 2 ½” x 1 ½”, $90.); (Mid 20th c, Wood, Stopper for shaman’s medicine container, 5 ¾” x 1” x 1 ¼”, $130.); ( Early 20th c. Wood, Used for healing a child, 3 ¼” x 1” x 1 ¾”, $85.) (ALL 4 SOLD)

Shaman Healing Amulet/Talisman, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early to mid 20th c, Wood, patinated with use and age Used for healing rituals. 4 ¾” x 4” x 5”. $70. — Shaman Healing Amulet/Talisman

Used for healing rituals. 4 ¾” x 4” x 5”. $70. SOLD

Shaman Healing Fetish, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak Tribe Late 19th c, Wood, metal, shell, fiber netting. This is used by the shaman to contact the spirits for healing rituals. 16” x 6” x 5”, $1800. — Shaman Healing Fetish with padlocks, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak Tribe, Late 19th c, Wood, metal, shell, fiber netting

This is used by the shaman to contact the spirits for healing rituals. 16” x 6” x 5”, $1800.

Magic Protection Figure Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early to mid 19th c, Ironwood, patinated with use and age. Protection from harmful spirits. 35” x 21 ½” 8”, $1600. — Magic Protection Figure, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early to mid 19th c, Ironwood

This figure gives protection from harmful spirits. 35” x 21 ½” 8”, $1600.

Skull Necklace Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wooden Beads, Rodent Skull, darkened with soot. Worn for healing and protection rituals 17 ½” x 2 ¾” x 1 ¾”, $450. — Skull Necklace Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wooden Beads, Rodent Skull, darkened with soot

Worn for healing and protection rituals 17 ½” x 2 ¾” x 1 ¾”, $450.

Shaman Amulet/Talisman Figure (rare), Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Modang Dayak tribe, Early to mid 20th c, Wood with patina from use and age. Zoomorphic or monkey figure amulet. $650 (sold as pair) Dimensions" (left - 7” x 1 ½” x 3 ¾”); (right - 7” x 1 ½” x ¾”) — Shaman Amulet/Talisman Figure (rare), Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Modang Dayak tribe, Early to mid 20th c, Wood

Zoomorphic or monkey figure amulet. $650 (sold as pair) Dimensions” (left – 7” x 1 ½” x 3 ¾”); (right – 7” x 1 ½” x ¾”) SOLD

Shaman Healing Fetish Rattle Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood pigmented with soot, stone, animal teeth and claws, coins, patinated with age and use. Used for healing rituals. 14” x 8” x 4”, $560. — Shaman Healing Fetish Rattle, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood pigmented with soot

Used for healing rituals. 14” x 8” x 4”, $560.

Shaman Fetish Figure, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe Early 20th c, Wood pigmented with soot, animal hide. Hung on the wall in the shaman’s house and used for calling spirits and for healing rituals. 12” x 8” x 6”, $600. — Shaman Fetish Figure, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood pigmented with soot, animal hide

Used for healing and protection.20” x 4” x 2”, $800.

Shaman Protector Figure, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, cloth straps. Kept in the shaman’s home for his protection. 28” x 6” x 5 ½”, $1900. — Shaman Protector Figure, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, cloth straps

Kept in the shaman’s home for his protection. 28” x 6” x 5 ½”, $1900.

Shaman Female Amulet Figure, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Ironwood. Used for healing treatments, 8 ¼” x 5” x 4”, $90. — Shaman Female Amulet Figure, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Ironwood

Used for healing treatments, 8 ¼” x 5” x 4”, $90. SOLD

Medicine Man Effigy Betel Nut Offering Figure, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, cloth, paint Used to hold betel nuts as a ritual offering to the deities. 13” x 4 ½” x 5”, $1200. — Medicine Man Effigy Betel Nut Offering Figure, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood, cloth, paint

Used to hold betel nuts as a ritual offering to the deities.
13” x 4 ½” x 5”, $1200.

Shaman Healing Talismans, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Mid 20th c, Wood, patinated with use and age. Used in healing rituals. The figure corresponds to specific illness or conditions. Dimensions and prices left to right: (left - 7 ¾” x 5 ¾” x 4”, $220.); tall middle - 10 ½” x 6 ½” x 2 ½”, $160.); (light middle - 7 ½” x 2” x 2”, $210.); (right - 8 ½” x 5” x 4”, $190.) — Shaman Healing Talismans, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Mid 20th c, Wood

Used in healing rituals. The figure corresponds to specific illness or conditions. Dimensions and prices left to right: (left – 7 ¾” x 5 ¾” x 4”, $220.); tall middle – 10 ½” x 6 ½” x 2 ½”, $160.) SOLD; (light middle – 7 ½” x 2” x 2”, $210.); (right – 8 ½” x 5” x 4”, $190.)

Shaman Protection Figure, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Modong Dayak tribe, Late 19th c, Wood darkened with soot. Shaman use these to protect themselves and villagers from evil creatures, 14” x 4 ¼” x 4”, $560 — Shaman Protection Figure, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Modong Dayak tribe, Late 19th c, Wood darkened with soot

Shaman use these to protect themselves and villagers from evil creatures, 14” x 4 ¼” x 4”, $560.

Shaman Healing Amulet/Talisman, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood pigmented with soot, patinated with age and use. For fertility rituals (two figures, three faces), 12” x 3 ½” x 3”, $190. — Shaman Healing Amulet/Talisman, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early 20th c, Wood pigmented with soot. SOLD

Shaman Healing Amulet/Talisman, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak Tribe Late 19th c, Root wood, glass beads, pigmented with soot, patinated with age and use Two sided figure. Used for healing rituals (double sided/two faces), 5” x 4 ½” x 4 ½”, $365. — Shaman Healing Amulet/Talisman, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak Tribe, Late 19th c, Root wood, glass beads, pigmented with soot

Two sided figure. Used for healing rituals (double sided/two faces), 5” x 4 ½” x 4 ½”, $365.

Shaman Healing Fetish, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early to mid 20th c, Wood, pigment, patina. Held in shaman’s hand during ritual for healing calling the spirits 10 ½” x 4” x 3 ½”, $420. — Shaman Healing Fetish, Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Early to mid 20th c, Wood

Held in shaman’s hand during ritual for healing calling the spirits, 10 ½” x 4” x 3 ½”, $420.

'Lupong Manang' or Shaman’s Medicine Carrier/Backpack with Healing Amulet/Fetish Figures (rare), East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Late 19th to early 20th c, Wood pigmented with soot, raffia, feathers, porcupine quill Shaman made their own medicine kit backpacks to carry items for healing, protection and predictions such as special teeth, stones and other items. The healing amulet figures on the exterior correspond to illnesses and other conditions. 17” x 12 ½” x 15”, $3,900. (see below image for detail image of shoulder straps) — ‘Lupong Manang’ or Shaman’s Medicine Carrier/Backpack with Healing Amulet/Fetish Figures (rare), East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, Dayak tribe, Late 19th to early 20th c, Wood pigmented with soot, raffia, feathers, porcupine quills

Shaman made their own medicine kit backpacks to carry items for healing, protection and predictions such as special teeth, stones and other items. The healing amulet figures on the exterior correspond to illnesses and other conditions. 17” x 12 ½” x 15”, $3,900. (see below image for detail image of shoulder straps)

shaman priest

Balancing The Universe: Shamanism on Sumba Island, Indonesia

Balancing The Universe: Shamanism in Borneo, Indonesia