Puppet
Puppet (Si Gale Gale)
18th–19th century
Wood with string
Puppets were made to appease the spirits of people who died without descendants to bring them offerings. In ritual performances, they simulated the mourners’ actions by dancing and weeping.
The Batak of northern Sumatra comprise six groups: the Toba, Mandaling, Angkola, Pakpak/Dairi, Simalingun, and Karo. All share a common origin myth and ancestor (Si Raja Batak), have similar kinship and marriage customs, employ a common language and script, and emphasize certain ritual practices. Until the mid-twentieth century, political power was in the hands of chiefs and the council of elders, while spiritual power resided with the priest (datu), who had great influence on Batak life.
(From Yale University Art Gallery)
Puppet
Puppet (Si Gale Gale)
18th–19th century
Wood with string
Puppets were made to appease the spirits of people who died without descendants to bring them offerings. In ritual performances, they simulated the mourners’ actions by dancing and weeping.
The Batak of northern Sumatra comprise six groups: the Toba, Mandaling, Angkola, Pakpak/Dairi, Simalingun, and Karo. All share a common origin myth and ancestor (Si Raja Batak), have similar kinship and marriage customs, employ a common language and script, and emphasize certain ritual practices. Until the mid-twentieth century, political power was in the hands of chiefs and the council of elders, while spiritual power resided with the priest (datu), who had great influence on Batak life.
(From Yale University Art Gallery)