Medicine horns known as sahan were containers for raja ni pagar or ‘the king of protective medicine’ one of the most powerful magic substances in the datu’s pharmacopeia. They were made from the hollow horn of a water buffalo with a wood stopper that is often carved with elaborate naga morsarang, a powerful mythical dragon-like creature. These often have groups of human “riders” on their back. Others have large human figures or even just heads which probably represent a powerful deity or ancestor. With a string tied to either end the datu could carry their medicine horn slung under their shoulder.
