GANA-GANA BATAK Hidden Container Statue Storage Box Container Ancestral Figure

Borneoartifact item number: MC 0257 A pair of Gana Gana Batak statue with hidden storage container.

Stopper and base are carved from wood, whereas the hollow body is each carved from real cow/buffalo horn.

Circa 1970 artifact.

Once used for storing Kapur Sirih / Slake Lime and other medicinal herbs. Height: 27 cm / 10.6 inches each Base diameter: 5 cm / 2 inches each Weight: 0.5 kg / 1.1 lb After packing: 1 kg / 2.2 lb Batak is a collective term used to identify a number of ethnic groups found in the highlands of North Sumatra Indonesia.

Their heartland lies to the west of Medan.

In fact the Batak include several groups with distinct, albeit related, languages and customs (adat). The Toba Batak believe that they originate from one ancestor Si Raja Batak, everyone else descended from him.

A family tree that defines the father-son relationship among Batak people is called tarombo.

Toba Batak are known traditionally for their weaving, wood carving and especially ornate stone tombs.

Their burial and marriage traditions are very rich and complex.

The burial tradition includes a ceremony in which the bones of ones ancestors are re interred several years after death. I will ship via Registered Mail, 14 working days worldwide, insurance included.