Pot Item Number: Ib261 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Pot (part b) with carved dark brown wood figure (part a) on top. Figure (part a) is sitting with his hands on his knees and with a dried and cracked encrustation over the upward pointing, dark brown hair on the head. Hair is bound with string to form a tuff on top of the head. Base of the figure fits into the pot. Clay ginger pot (part b) of Chinese origin with a six-sided base, and a circular top covered on the outside with a string in woven pattern. There is an encrustment over the string. String handle on pot which looks fragile but is in good condition.
History Of Use
This type of pot is associated with containers used to hold a magical substance, obtained from the remains of a child, from an enemy village, who had been sacrificed. The local priests make up this magical brew within these containers, where it is stored until used for healing (Loeb).
Cultural Context
ritual
Narrative
Collector obtained object in Tomok village, Samosir Island, Dec., 1976.
Item History
- Made in Tomolo, Indonesia
- Collected during December 1976
- Owned by Wilhelm Helmer before March 9, 1977
- Received from Wilhelm Helmer (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) on March 9, 1977
What
Who
- Culture
- Batak
- Previous Owner
- Wilhelm Helmer
- Received from
- Wilhelm Helmer (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Tomolo, Indonesia
When
- Collection Date
- during December 1976
- Ownership Date
- before March 9, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on March 9, 1977
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 61
- Accession Number
- 0367/0001