Batak Book

Bill M · 9th February 2009, 02:30 PM

The writings look correct. The good writing characters are incredibly fine in execution. They can be tiny letters. Here you will see big differences in the "modern."

Batak is a highly copied culture. Most of it Islam and Christian and the old shaman ways fallen into disuse. This could be real, but I regard most items like this as curiosities unless a knowledgeable person has been able to hold it and offer an informed opinion.

Authentic Batak pieces are very rare and extremely expensive. Depending on price, I'd buy it for the artistic work. Looks nicely done. However I would ask for high rez pictures of the writing.

Interestingly enough a Google search of "Batak Religion" asks if I want to change "Batak" to our new president's last name. Guess it shows he is more popular than a North Sumatran culture.

kino · 9th February 2009, 05:15 PM

Fearn, Thanks for the advice. It neither feels magical or dead in my hands,
maybe I'm not just tuned in.

Ronpakis, The seller told me it was collected in Lake Toba in the 70's.

Nonoy, The writing is a little similar to alibata.

Bill, I've handled it and it seems right, but I'm not a knowledgeable one.

It's printed on bark, and feels delicate. I don't know the age of it other than
when it was collected in the field. It could be an authentic shamans book but not so old as the one's in the museums. After giving it much thought, I will pass on it and save my meager allowance for a Kamp or something.

Spunjer, you better get busy on the wifey's "do list"

Thanks all.

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9th February 2009, 02:30 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	The writings look correct. The good writing characters are incredibly fine in execution. They can be tiny letters. Here you will see big differences in the "modern." Batak is a highly copied culture. Most of it Islam and Christian and the old shaman ways fallen into disuse. This could be real, but I regard most items like this as curiosities unless a knowledgeable person has been able to hold it and offer an informed opinion. Authentic Batak pieces are very rare and extremely expensive. Depending on price, I'd buy it for the artistic work. Looks nicely done. However I would ask for high rez pictures of the writing. Interestingly enough a Google search of "Batak Religion" asks if I want to change "Batak" to our new president's last name. Guess it shows he is more popular than a North Sumatran culture.

9th February 2009, 05:15 PM	#2
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,020	Fearn, Thanks for the advice. It neither feels magical or dead in my hands, maybe I'm not just tuned in. Ronpakis, The seller told me it was collected in Lake Toba in the 70's. Nonoy, The writing is a little similar to alibata. Bill, I've handled it and it seems right, but I'm not a knowledgeable one. It's printed on bark, and feels delicate. I don't know the age of it other than when it was collected in the field. It could be an authentic shamans book but not so old as the one's in the museums. After giving it much thought, I will pass on it and save my meager allowance for a Kamp or something. Spunjer, you better get busy on the wifey's "do list" Thanks all.