Facade ornament "singa head" ·  Indonesia - Sumatra, Toba - Batak · ID: 3049031

Description

wood, polychrome paint residues,

The “singa” is equated with the underworld dragon “Naga Padoha” and is closely related to prehistoric events, which is also evident in the numerous allusions to the world tree and tree of life in the ornamentation.

The “singa” is found as a decorative ornament and magically effective representation in almost all areas of Toba culture, especially on house facades, where it is supposed to keep away mischief, diseases and other evil influences from the house and its inhabitants.

Comparing literature

Sibeth, Achim, Mit den Ahnen leben, Stuttgart 1990, 119 ff.