Batak Shaman Medicine Horn Container ‘Naga mesarang’

The Batak Shaman Medicine Horn Container, known as ‘Naga Mesarang,’ is a fascinating cultural artifact from the Batak people of Indonesia, likely originating from the northern regions of Sumatra. These containers serve as both practical tools and spiritual objects in Batak shamanic practices.

1. Ceremonial Depictions:
   • The container is intricately carved, depicting four figures riding a seahorse.
   • The seahorse motif might symbolize water, a vital element in Batak cosmology, often associated with spiritual realms or a connection to the supernatural.
2. Material and Construction:
   • The main body is carved from wood, showcasing the Batak’s impressive woodcarving craftsmanship.
   • The tail section, made from buffalo horn, is a highly valued material, representing strength and longevity in many cultures, including the Batak.
3. Shamanic Representation:
   • The horn tail features a figure overseeing the scene, representing a shaman observing or conducting the ceremony. This figure likely embodies the shaman’s spiritual authority and connection to both earthly and supernatural realms.
4. Functionality:
   • The container was used to store herbs and medicines, vital for healing practices.
   • It also doubled as a cup for drinking, likely for consuming ritualistic or medicinal concoctions.
5. Cultural Context:
   • In Batak society, shamans, or Datu, play an essential role in mediating between the physical and spiritual worlds. Objects like the Naga Mesarang were not merely tools but sacred items infused with symbolic meaning and power.

This container exemplifies the Batak’s deep relationship with nature, spirituality, and artistry, blending practical use with rich symbolic and ceremonial importance.

H – 38 x 50 x 9 cm / 1.13 kg

Price include shipping by air parcel.