Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Sumatra, Toba Batak, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A superb wood panel used as an architectural / house ornament with the stylized and scrolling visage of a legendary being known as the singa. The head has arched horns with graceful, symmetrical curves carved in relief and painted in hues of black, red-brown, and white. Large circular eyes peer out, framed by scrolling ears / lips. 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: 13.3" L x 2.5" W x 18" H (33.8 cm x 6.4 cm x 45.7 cm)

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 New Jersey, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#185080

  • Condition: Loss to wood on brow. Small losses to nose / lip high pointed areas. Fading to pigments. Stable striations and fissures throughout and old inactive insect bore holes. Metal eyelet ring added to the top for displaying.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 12, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000