Pair of effigy figures from the Batak region of North Sumatra in a receptive pose with their arms outstretched and palms extended. Like silent wooden sentinels brought to life, Batak figures, if ritually enhanced, could serve the wishes of their masters and add to a shaman’s prestige. Figures were “fed” offerings and, in the case of these statues, their chest cavities were filled with "puk-puk", a magic substance, which enriched these figures with a “soul” and rendered them powerful.

North Sumatra
Wood, pigment, cotton cloth, height: 85 cm.
Private Collection.