BATAK, Lake Toba, Sumatra, Indonesia. Rare and ancient water buffalo horn bullet case (bullet holder) with a deep glossy black patina. The lower part was used to store bullets and the upper part to depict a heart-shaped face, with oval eyes and a chin pointing towards the mouth. The characteristics of the face and the foliate decoration of decomposed spirals bear witness to the influence of the Indonesian Bronze Age style. Early 20th century. Height: 15.5 cm. Note: To be compared with the example in Alain Schoffel's collection, page 55 "PRIMARY ARTS OF SOUTH-EAST ASIA" (Assam, Sumatra, Borneo, Philippines). Alain and Françoise Chaffin, publishers. Provenance: Former Dutch collection.