Bone Indonesian medicine horn
This item appears to be bone and hand carved. It is 18 inches in length and is approximately 5 1/2 inches tall where the body joins the head and around 2 inches tall at the thickest part of the body. It sits on a wooden stand.
This was purchased at an antique store in Yogyakarta Indonesia in 2012. I'm not sure of the name, but it was a large place with lots of items from all over the world. When I checked the ratings at the time, the store was highly rated. We were told that it was made on one of the small islands. We would just like to know more about our strange looking purchase.
Gallery/Dealer
Maybe
Dear Katharine,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The presented object appears to be an Indonesian (Toba Batak Tribes) medicine horn ( known as Naga Marsarang) made out of carved bone probably from water buffalo. This horn or vessel stored a substance called "Pupuk" which has healing power. The horn is decorated with carvings and depicts a "Singa", a mythological animal believed to possess protective powers. This piece was probably made in the late 19th or 20th century. It has measurements of 18 inches in length and is approximately 5 1/2 inches tall.
This piece is in good condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 300 to 800 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg
Dear Katherine,
Thank you very much and you are very welcome.
With kind regards,
Georg
Thank you so much Georg for your report. We have always wanted to know more about this item and you provided us with the information we needed.