Lot 51
Batak Bone Scrimshaw Carving Calendar
Sold June 27, 2025
- Price realized
- $225
Price realized is the winning bid (hammer price) and excludes buyer’s premium.
About this lot
Estimated Value: $170-300
Origin: Batak people of Batak, Indonesia. Late 1800- Early 1900s
Dimensions: 5.5×1.5×11.5 in.
Condition: Light wear and yellowing on the bone, and the bone has some chipping on the top. It comes with a stand.
Additional Information: A Batak bone oracle with scrimshaw decoration. It is believed to be made out of a water buffalo scapula. It features various carvings of a lizard, detailed geometric designs, a crocodile carved onto the side. There is a hole at the top of the thinner part of the bone. On the flip side of the bone is a geometric pattern that is believed to represent a calendar, and other swirling and geometric designs and a moon design.
These calendars are called porhalaan among the Batak people of North Sumatra, are primarily used for divination, partially to determine important days for various purposes, reading the sun and moon. These purposes would include favorable or unlucky days for activities like planting, construction, or important ceremonies.
Unlike a traditional calendar, the Batak calendar is used to gauge favorable times rather than to tell time. The porhalaan is a lunisolar calendar, with 12 or 13 column grids. The symbols or animals carved on the piece hold symbolic meaning and is crucial for interpreting the calendar.
Lot details
- Lot
- 51
- Closed
- June 27, 2025
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