House carving: pair of "singa" heads · Indonesia - Sumatra, Toba - Batak · ID: 3042285
Description
light wood, red, black and white pigment, large round eyes, colourful painted tendril and spiral patterns, recesses backside for attachment, one of the heads strikingly light-weighted, with traces of insect caused damage (above all backside), small deepenings filled with greyish mass or fabric, the heavier head rest. (breakage at the snout), both with minor missing parts, cracks, abrasion of paint (due to weathering);
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.