Singa Guardian Sculpture From the Batak Tribe of Sumatra, Early 20th Century

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A Batak Tribe “Singa” from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. This mythical lion figure was used as a protective architectural … Read more A Batak Tribe “Singa” from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. This mythical lion figure was used as a protective architectural element on the corner of a traditional Batak house. It features the traditional tri-color scheme of the Batak peoples bearing traces of the original black, white and orange polychrome. It is hand-carved with intricate patterns, displays wood patina and has faded pigment from extended periods of time outdoors.

This Singa's polychrome is considerably more faded on its right side than its left side. The reason for this is due to the fact that this Singa's left side would have been facing the exterior of the house and thus more exposed to the elements and weather. See less