Porhalaan
Etched Water Buffalo Scapula
Pagar Amulet 
 
The Batak of Northern Sumatra were one of the few canabalistic tribes to have a written script of their own. It is related to the Brahmi of India and ancient Javanese writing systems. It is believed to  be derived from Sanskrit. 
 
The amulet was intended to be hung.
 
One side offers protection with sayings or prayers...
 
The other is inscribed with a "porhalaan"  or calendar.
"Hala" is derived from the Sanskrit word "kala" or scorpion.
It is a lunisolar calendar consisting of twelve months divided into thirty days with an occasional leap month. It is not used for time or date keeping, but by the Datu/Shaman for determining favorable or unfavorable days to hold rituals.
 
Intricate bone designs may include scorpions, geckos, hornbills, and sea serpents.
Relief carvings depict crocodile, lizard and singa head. The singa represents a protective deity who is part human, water buffalo, crocodile and lizard. 
 
Scapula measures: 12" x 6"
 
You will receive the item in the photograph.
 
Handcrafted in Sumatra