Architectural ornament "singa" head ·  Indonesia - Sumatra, Batak · ID: 3035414

Description

wood, small remains of paint, flat ornamental form: eyes and elongated snout/trunk recognizable, covered by incised curvilinear ornaments in spiral and tendriled patterns, marked by weathering, cracks, washed and bleached out, missing parts, above all at the lower rim, on socle;
the “singa” is the central ornamental motif in Toba Batak art. It has two central meanings: it is said to keep away evil spirits and illness from the residents of the house. At the same time it is said to be able to activate benedictory, positve powers in favour of them.