11Story

07 May 2009

Singa

The Batak

Contents - The history and western discovery of the Batak - Social and political life - Religion and rituals             * The beliefs             * Tondi and begu - The objects of the priest: the datu items - The Death - Synopsis of the exhibition             * The Workd of the Dead             * Singa             * Musical instruments             * The Toba House             * Enclosing the world             * Weapons and associated objects             * The datu items             * The protection - Bibliography

 

Singa

 

The words singa comes from Sanskrit and means lion. Among the Batak, the singa is a mythical animal. He has the buffalo, snake and dragon attibutes. He represents also the Naga Padoha, a mythic snake who lives in the depth of the underworld. Formerly, it symbolized the statute of the chiefs and the supernatural capacities of the priests magicians. One finds it on noble frontages of houses where its protective function is obvious. A singa is also carved on the large stone sarcophagi present in the village. on the objects of prestige, the work of l' alloy testifies d' an special attention with the decoration.

 

 

 

Galang bracelet. © musée du quai Branly, photo Patrick Gries, Bruno Descoings, 70.2001.27.671.

 

Toba ceremonial lighter santik. © musée du quai Branly, photo Patrick Gries, Bruno Descoings, 70.2001.27.415.

 

Karo amulet with a singa head.   © musée du quai Branly, photo Patrick Gries, Valérie Torre, 70.2001.27.409.

 

 

 

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