Architectural ornaments: a pair of "singa" heads · Indonesia - Sumatra, Toba - Batak · ID: 3051980
not available anymore
Provenance
Jean Paul Deslypere, Belsele, BelgiumSize
H: 138 cm & 142 cm
H: 54.3 inch & 55.9 inch
Description
wood, traditional pigments (red, black, white), each mounted on a plinth
The central image in Toba Batak art is the “singa”, a supernatural creature whose likeness protects individuals, homes, and communities from malevolent supernatural forces. The name “singa” derives from the Sanskrit word meaning “lion”. However, the Toba Batak “singa” is a fantastic composite that combines features of several different species.