Batak Toba, North Sumatra, around 1900
This amulet originates from the Batak Toba community in North Sumatra and was used for protection against physical and supernatural threats.
Made of buffalo bone, the Sarang Tima Amulet has intricate carvings depicting symbols to ward off disaster, such as human figures, animals, and symbols of the eight cardinal directions known as bindu matoga.
In addition to being used by soldiers in war, this amulet was also installed in homes as a guard against evil influences. Uniquely, this amulet functions as a pustaha that stores magical knowledge and predictions, and was even used by women during menstruation to protect themselves from supernatural spirits.
In 1963, this amulet was purchased by Jan Herman Belt in North Sumatra for 10 Gulden. After being brought to the Netherlands, this amulet became part of the Museum Nusantara Delft.
During a repatriation effort by the Indonesian government in November 2019, this amulet was one of the objects that returned to Indonesia and became part of the collection of the National Museum of Indonesia.
Inventory Number: S451-726/1327
Material: Buffalo Bone
Dimensions: Height 15.2 cm, Width 8.2 cm
Fifia Wardhani, Pamong Budaya Ahli Muda, discusses the significance of the Sarang Tima Amulet.
Curators
Fifia Wardhani | National Museum of Indonesia
Desrika Retno Widyastuti | National Museum of Indonesia
Eko Septian Saputra | Sumpah Pemuda Museum
Imam Santoso | National Museum of Indonesia
Amythia Lapadca Mirzah | National Gallery of Indonesia