This bone amulet with ritual inscriptions was thought to possess magical powers and was worn by the Batak people to protect and give them additional powers during hunting and battles as well as to ward off evil spirits and illnesses. Amulets were often made of animal bones, usually a buffalo rib or long bones cut into small cylindrical forms. Inscriptions are highlighted with a black ink-like substance to reveal magic formulae, human and animal symbol as well as astrological signs.Batak heritage is thought to be rooted in the ancient Austronesian culture that was subject to influence from Indian communities who settled in the Barus area as early as the 7th century and Hindu Buddhist traditions emanating from ritual centres such as Padang Lawas in north Sumatra.
