Title
Shaman's staff
Year/Period
c. 1972
Region
Lake Toba, North Sumatra
Object Type
ceremonial staffs
Material
Wood, twine, horsehair
Dimension
Object size: 1310.0 cm
Accession No.
2013-00049
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Anthony and Helen Reid
NLB Type
Woodcarving
This shaman's staff from Lake Toba, in the Batak lands of North Sumatra was made in the early 1970s for sale to tourists. It resembles approximately the powerful traditional staffs of the 19th and early 20th centuries but is carved with less expensive, soft wood in a simple style which could be easily and quickly replicated.
