A Batak Tungkot Malehat magic staff, North Sumatra, Indonesia, 20th century, surmounted with a male figure with elaborate headdress of ijuk fibres with horsehair coiffure and standing atop figures and beasts terminating in an sheet iron clad tip, approx. 186cm high Note: Magic staffs 'Tungkot Malehat' are among the most important utensils of the 'datu' priests. In secret rituals charged with magical substances, 'pupuk', they become objects of great power for the well-being of the community. They were often used as supernatural weapons to fight off evil spirits and were employed as aids to promote healing or to affect the weather. They can also play a role in affairs of state, and can act as a guarantor for truces and agreements. Please refer to department for condition report