Accession No
MN0126.56
Description
A wooden magic cane. The handle is decorated with an unknown gilded female figure affixed with textile binding.
Place
Asia; Southeast Asia; Myanmar; Southern Shan States; Pindaya
Period
20th century c. 1900s
Source
Singer, Noel Francis [collector and donor]
Department
Anth
Reference Numbers
MN0126.56; MAA: MN0126.56; 56
Cultural Affliation
Material
Cane; Wood; Gilt; Lacquer; Textile
Local Term
Measurements
847mm Weight 0.079kg
Events
Context (Auction / Sale)
Bought from a stall in 2008 in the town of Pindya, Southern Shan States, which is noted for its caves filled with Buddha images.
Event Date 2008
Author: Eleanor Wilkinson
Context (Production / use)
This can would have been used to beat victims thought to be possessed by an evil spirit. It was believed that it was the spirit that was being hurt and not the victim. The spirit was supposedly driven out as it could not stand the pain.
Event Date 10/11/2017
Author: Eleanor Wilkinson
Description (Labels & Markings)
A label attached to the cane reads 'No 56 OCCULT ephemera a 'magic' cane on one side with a label adhered which reads '56'. The other side reads 'a 'magic' cane No. 56 occult ephemera'.
Event Date 10/11/2017
Author: Eleanor Wilkinson
Description (Physical description)
A wooden magic cane. The handle is decorated with an unknown gilded female figure affixed with textile binding.
Event Date 10/11/2017
Author: Eleanor Wilkinson
FM:278593
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