**Originally Listed At $3500**

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Sumatra, Batak peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A wonderful shaman staff, hand-carved from a single piece of hardwood. The lengthy staff body is decorated with several abstract zoomorphic figures stacked one atop the other, with a strange human figure on the bottom with a sinuous serpent coiling up the body. The topmost figure stands with arms held to sides with an animal bearing carved scales in front of the abdomen, and the head is topped with a tightly wrapped cloth bundle surmounted with several dark chicken feathers. Small stones set within the eye sockets of each figure provide depth and character, and an iron panel is wrapped around the lower tip. Fine patina envelops the entire composition and makes for an eye-catching presentation. Size: 1.8" W x 68.5" H (4.6 cm x 174 cm); 71" H (180.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Magical shamanic staffs like this example were carved by the shaman over a period of years as a process of honing their skills in medicine, spiritual cleansing, and patience. During this time, a boy would be taken from an enemy village, apprenticed to the shaman, and ultimately sacrificed in a ceremony to 'activate' the inherent powers of the magic staff. Furthermore, the brain matter of the sacrificed boy would be first powdered and then placed into a notch in the top of the staff covered by the cloth and horsehair plug. Once complete, the shamanic powers of the staff would be officially activated.

Provenance: private Nevada, USA collection

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#150101

Losses to one hand of standing figure as well as some chicken feathers. Minor softening to some finer details, and light encrustations within some recessed areas. Great patina throughout.