Old African (?) Iron Oil Lamp - Mystery

[Robski]

Greetings All

I have had this for years and have always thought it was cool and out of the ordinary. It is an Iron Oil Lamp (?) in the form of a dragon or something similar. It shows a lot of age and is riveted in construction. When I bought it the seller said it was found in a barn in Pennsylvania and could be local folk art.

To me it looks African but I have not found anything similar. Been stumped for 20 years.

Any Ideas???

Best Regards
Rob

[Julien]

I think its a tool for making black ash for tattooing, probably from Indonesia

[Robski]

Thank You!!!!!

Yes, it is a Kroe Pesihungan from Southern Sumatra used pre-1900 for producing tooth blackening ash.

Your help was invaluable!!!

Cheers
Rob

[Julien]

you are welcome