{"product_id":"batak-toba-ritual-guardian-vessel","title":"Batak Ritual Guardian Figure, Sumatra, c. Late 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eOrigin: North Sumatra, Indonesia (Batak Toba culture)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: Circa 1880–1930\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterials: Hand-carved hardwood with polychrome pigments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 29 in (L) x 28 in (H)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDescription:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis monumental hand-carved wooden figure represents a Batak Toba guardian spirit vessel. It features an expressive face with bulging eyes, incised cheek motifs, and a stylized grin. The sculpture includes a hollow interior accessible via a removable section, confirming its role as a ritual container used to house spiritual substances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFunction \u0026amp; Cultural Significance:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch vessels were used by Batak ritual specialists (datu) to store pupuk, a powerful ritual compound. These objects acted as protective guardians and intermediaries between the human and spirit realms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eConstruction\u003c\/em\u003e: oxidation and age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand-carved with visible tool marks. Hollow interior indicates ritual use. Natural pigments show\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCondition\u003c\/em\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface wear, pigment loss, and age-related cracking consistent with early 20th century origin. Interior shows signs of age and historical use.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"This Is Home Studio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63536913121649,"sku":null,"price":5100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1006\/9075\/5953\/files\/woodenramhead.png?v=1777507408","url":"https:\/\/thisishomestudio.com\/products\/batak-toba-ritual-guardian-vessel","provider":"This Is Home Studio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}