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Architectural ornament

late 19th–early 20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 351
Traditionally, Batak communal houses were richly decorated with geometric designs and naturalistic figures brightly painted in red, white, and black. The main decorative elements on the houses were large, carved animal heads incised with complex curvilinear motifs.

The architectural ornaments on the sides of the house consisted predominantly of horses' heads such as this one. These highly ornate pieces were not only decorative but also served as supernatural guardians that ensured the safety and security of the structure's inhabitants. In the Toba Batak region, horses were often consecrated to the three principal deities, and were believed to have the ability to transport individuals to the realm of the ancestors. They were also symbols of high status, since only the elite could afford to own them.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Architectural ornament
  • Artist: Toba Batak artist
  • Date: late 19th–early 20th century
  • Geography: Indonesia, Sumatra
  • Culture: Toba Batak peoples
  • Medium: Wood, paint
  • Dimensions: H. (incl. staple) 14 1/2 × W. 7 × D. 2 5/8 in. (36.8 × 17.8 × 6.7 cm)
  • Classification: Wood-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Fred and Rita Richman, 1988
  • Object Number: 1988.143.68
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

More Artwork

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Perminangken (container for magical substances), Toba Batak artist, Wood, ceramic, Toba Batak peoples
Perminangken (container for magical substances)
Toba Batak artist
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Tiki (male figure), Mangarevan artist, Wood, Mangarevan peoples
Tiki (male figure)
Mangarevan artist
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Palepai maju (ceremonial banner), Paminggir artists, Glass and ceramic beads, fiber, cloth, nassa shells, Lampung peoples
Palepai maju (ceremonial banner)
Paminggir artists
18th–19th century
Ganagana (ancestor figure), Toba Batak artist, Wood, fiber, trade cloth, horse hair, cowrie shells, glass beads, brass, iron nails, bone, seeds, feathers, Toba Batak people
Ganagana (ancestor figure)
Toba Batak artist
late 19th–early 20th century
Finial from a Ritual Staff (Tungkot Malehat), Copper alloy, resin, brass, Toba Batak people
Finial from a Ritual Staff (Tungkot Malehat)
Toba Batak people
19th–early 20th century

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