This item has been SOLD. Originally from a Seattle collection and in our collection for almost two decades, a very fine example of a Batak Pagar. Pagar are created and used by the Batak village Datu or priest for the purpose of protecting houses, fields and people from malevolent spirits called Begu. They can be found in various quality, sizes and postures but always with a plugged hole in the torso or head that contains pupik or the magic substance that empowers the figure. This figure is notable in its artistic execution. One can only speculate about the symbolism of the child beyond the known fact that much of the power of the pupik magic has to do with a child selected by the Datu. The plug in the head of this pagar has been removed in order to remove its power, although there is residual pupik in the hole and remnants of rice flower around the feet. The over all condition is very good with loss only to the base, as shown. There are the usual nicks and slight dents, with dark rich patina on the contact points. A custom metal stand accompanies the piece. Size: H,16.5", W,2.75", 3" front to back. First half of the 20th C.

Regional & Ethnic Antiques