Tunggal Panaluan (L)

The Tunggal Panaluan is a magic staff used by Batak priest-magicians (datu) as a powerful ritual object to protect the home, ward off enemies, make rain, drive away storms, cure illness, and ensure fertility. Carved with numerous human and animal figures, it symbolizes the myth of twins who committed incest and became intertwined with a tree. The human figures represent the datu and mythical characters, illustrating the staff’s connection to powerful spiritual and protective forces. The staff’s intricate carvings and magical ingredients make it an “in-souled” or animated object, essential for ceremonies and believed to be dangerous to ordinary people.

Batak Priest’s Staff, circa 1980
Origin: North Sumatra
Material: Wooden Carving and Coconut Fibre
Dimension: 8 x 8 x 176 cm
Condition: Perfect

Condition Guide
Perfect: Items are in perfect condition
Pristine: It may show lightening, small stains and damage Antiques: Condition is relative to age, since imperfections are what give vintage pieces their special character