Batak Bovine Scapula from Northern Sumatra. With carved human heads, a lizard, a serpent & mythical animals together with Batak script on both sides. Used as a divining tool or oracle by a priest (Datu). There is a Batak calendar & compass on one side. The Batak script was derived from earlier Javanese Kauie & Pallava scripts, ultimately from a Sanskrit script from Southern India & was still being used & taught in mission schools up to 1914, collected around 1900. L38cm W17cm Collection Dr John Raven, Perth. Estimate $300-500