Culture or time period: Maritime Southeast Asian cultures / Materials: Bone (material) - Hearst Museum Portal Search Results

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Hearst Museum object titled Amulet, accession number 18-940, described as Amulet, bone; one side covered with inscription in Batak characters; other side has a protective spirit figure, a seven-pointed star, and eight-armed and four-armed cross; triangular shape, perforation near apex. Made from scapula of a sacrificed water buffalo. Used as a protective amulet; worn by warriors under the headcloth to ward off bullets, missiles, and lethal blows; other used: hung on the roof post of the house during ritual hand washing; worn by menstruating women to ward off ghosts and spirits that might cause illness; the figures are apotropaic, and the inscription is a spell summoning certain spirits. Length 16.5 cm

Hearst Museum object titled Cassowary bone, a&b bound together for magic, accession number 11-38545a,b, described as Two pieces of cassowary breast bone bound together; magical object; used to cure person wounded by arrow (worn on chest around neck by victim)

Hearst Museum object titled Magic object, accession number 11-38544, described as Dagger-shaped cassowary tibia; Magical (religious) object; common part of “medicine kit”; used to break sugar cane (EL TENGHIRUK FAXET); used at initiation ceremonies (WET PACTUK) by older men

Hearst Museum object titled Magic object, accession number 11-38543, described as Dagger-shaped cassowary tibia with wrapping at top; Magical (religious) object; common part of “medicine kit”; shaken over person, sugar cane, etc. when casting a spell.