INDONESIA, TOBA BATAK CULTURE, Late 19th century - Lot 47

INDONESIA, TOBA BATAK CULTURE, Late 19th century Two-string lute in the shape of a stylized boat. The top is decorated with a seated figure in a simian posture. The sides are engraved with magic writing. Old brown and russet patina, wear marks, lime residue in a small receptacle at the base of the instrument. Small crack due to age. Wood, old brown and russet patina, wear marks, lime residue. Dimensions : 56 × 7 cm - With base: 59 cm Provenance : Pierre-René Bauquis, collected 1970-1980 It is extremely rare for Toba Batak lutes to be engraved with magic writing. The visible signs are reminiscent of pustaha, ritual bark books written by datu in the ancient Batak script. Their presence on the instrument suggests a ceremonial function, where music and magic were intimately linked.