Lot 59
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Sumatra, Toba Batak, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful wood panel used as an architectural or house ornament that is stylized with a scrolling visage of the mythical creature known as a singa. The head features a grand trio of backward-curving horns that rest atop its head like an opulent crown. The enormous circular eyes rest neatly next to the bulbous, diamond-patterned nose and above a curved grin, with lengthy ears draped on ither side of the heart-shaped visage. The horns, emblematic of the singa, draw inspiration from the formidable domestic water buffalo, esteemed for its role in both labor and ceremonial offerings. Size: 2" L x 12.75" W x 25.8" H (5.1 cm x 32.4 cm x 65.5 cm); 28" H (71.1 cm) on included custom stand.
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art "Commanding singa such as this would have been placed on the facades of houses for those of high status in Batak villages. Elevated on wooden piles measuring more than six feet high, the upper structure of the house was supported by broad beams called pandingdingan that were exposed along the sides of the building. The separately carved singa heads were then tenoned to the ends. Together, the beams (forming the reptilian, snake-like body) and the singa were identified with Naga Padoha, the mythical snake of the underworld. Singa are sometimes given the form of a buffalo whose body is covered with scales, further reinforcing its affinity with the snake. Such visual devices effectively convey the enigmatic character of these mythical creatures and their metaphorical associations with fertility, abundance, and protection."
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-Loed & Mia van Bussel collection, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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#184887
- Condition: Losses to some peripheral areas, with chipping and abrasions, several stable fissures, and fading to surface pigment, otherwise in great condition. Nice patina to wood, and great preservation to finer detailing.
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