Batak Staff
Tongkat malehat, staff
Batak, North Sumatra
Palm wood, silver alloy
Length: 125 cm
Circa 1900
Provenance: Dutch private collection
Batak palm wood staff, locally known as tongkat malehat, from North Sumatra, Indonesia. This type of staff was used by a datu, or Batak magical priest, and was associated with ritual and spiritual practices.
The staff is carved from palm wood and measures 125 cm in length. It is decorated with one large silver band measuring approximately 15 cm and three smaller silver bands of approximately 2 cm each. The top is carved with a figure holding an object in both hands, possibly a pustaha, the traditional Batak magical book. A smaller figure appears between the main figure’s knees.
€ 850
