A Toba Batak Singa, North of Sumatra, Indonesia

Among the creatures and images in Toba Batak art, one of the most widespread and important is the Singa, a supernatural creature protecting individuals, homes and communities from malicious supernatural forces. A composite being formed from the characteristics of several different species, its distinctive shape is marked in particular by the three stylized horns curving backwards. Other recognizable features include large, round eyes, a humanized nose and a long, horse-like snout. Together, they form an intimidating mass that is intended to keep evil spirits away, in this case from dwellings and homes. While representations of Singas in Toba Batak art take many forms, such as small objects or sarcophagi, their most impressive forms are found, as here, in the form of house ornaments. The present Singa is in fact the sculpted attribute found at the front of one of the beams supporting the sides of traditional houses, of which those belonging to clan chiefs are particularly often adorned.