Batak Stone Chairs

The Stone Chairs are where Batak tribal matters were discussed and law breakers tried. Several stone chair sites and other megaliths survive around Danu Toba. The chairs, generally arranged under a hariam tree, are around 300 years old and were used as a site for village councils, where disputes were settled and punishments decided. 

The chief would sit in the largest chair, whilst other village elders sat in the surrounding chairs. The person on trial would sit on the small chair closest to the table after having been incarcerated for seven days in a small cage close to the stone chairs. A medicine man would consult his diary to decide on the best day for any punishment to be meted out. A stone figure, said to be the god of justice, occupies one of the chairs. (Sarah trying not to look too guilty here!).

If the criminal was sentenced to death, they would be blindfolded, their hands and feet would be bound and he would be carried to the large stone block. He would then be sliced with a small knife and chili, garlic, and onion were reputedly rubbed into the wounds before a mallet, like a meat tenderizer, would be used to prepare the 'meat' for consumption by pounding the man.

Having been sufficiently trussed and pummeled, the unfortunate victim would be carried to the block and his head cut off. The “strength-giving” blood was drunk by the chief, who would also sample certain parts, before the meat was distributed to the villagers, who were required to partake of it. (Chris on the block)

Finally, the bones were collected up and thrown into the lake. The lake was then considered unclean for a week and no activity could be carried out in or on it during this time. This tradition ended in 1816 at the behest of the Dutch colonisers.