Guardian Figure (Pangulubalang)
Origin: Batak, Indonesia
Period: 18th Century
Material: Wood
Size: 13cm x 12.5cm x 46cm
Description: The weathered surface of this Toba Batak image indicates that it was originally erected outdoors, where it may have served as a village guardian figure. In the past, nearly every village had one or more guardian images, generally in the form of a seated or crouching human figure. Believed to protect the community from sickness, malevolent magic, and enemy attack. the figures contained the spirits of captured enemies who had been ritually slain in order to acquire their supernatural power. Both the spirits and the figures were known as pangulubalang.
To activate te guardian figure, pukpuk, a magical substance derived from the body of a sacrificed enemy, and other supernaturally powerful compounds were placed in holes carved into its surface. The square hole in the body of this figure is likely originally held its enlivening pukpuk or similar substances. Once transferred to the figure, the spirit of the village's former enemy was transformed, becoming a powerful supernatural protector.
Toba Batak people "Pangulubalang Guardian Figure" the pukpuk hole on the statue's lower torso indicates that he served as a Pangulubalang, or Guardian statue of the Toba Batak people. Pupuk hole is usually carved out on the head and torso of a statue as they are considered the centers of the soul.
ID-AN-057
Origin: Batak, Indonesia
Period: 18th Century
Material: Wood
Size: 13cm x 12.5cm x 46cm
Description: The weathered surface of this Toba Batak image indicates that it was originally erected outdoors, where it may have served as a village guardian figure. In the past, nearly every village had one or more guardian images, generally in the form of a seated or crouching human figure. Believed to protect the community from sickness, malevolent magic, and enemy attack. the figures contained the spirits of captured enemies who had been ritually slain in order to acquire their supernatural power. Both the spirits and the figures were known as pangulubalang.
To activate te guardian figure, pukpuk, a magical substance derived from the body of a sacrificed enemy, and other supernaturally powerful compounds were placed in holes carved into its surface. The square hole in the body of this figure is likely originally held its enlivening pukpuk or similar substances. Once transferred to the figure, the spirit of the village's former enemy was transformed, becoming a powerful supernatural protector.
Toba Batak people "Pangulubalang Guardian Figure" the pukpuk hole on the statue's lower torso indicates that he served as a Pangulubalang, or Guardian statue of the Toba Batak people. Pupuk hole is usually carved out on the head and torso of a statue as they are considered the centers of the soul.
ID-AN-057
