Architectural ornaments: a pair of "singa" heads

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.