Batak Raja's Bronze Tobacco Pipe with Ancestor Figurine

Batak Raja's large bronze tobacco pipe (Tulpang), Toba Batak, Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, 19th century, one of the finest examples seen in our rooms, a similar example can be found in the collection of the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris. Constructed in three parts with the head and tube of the pipe coming apart to reveal a small wooden section inside, allowing the parts to press together and stay as one, secured by a cast bronze chain attached to the tube. The head of the pipe is large and well cast with a prominent row of solid cast spheres, which are repeated in smaller scale along the stem, and other cast designs, including beautiful scrolling fern frond motifs. The stem is beautifully cast with typically Batak motifs including numerous rows of ?S?- shaped motifs and others, all meant to mirror basketwork, superimposed by a rare cast male ancestor figurine. With accompanying custom built stand, an impressive 85 cm in length