Story Of Bali, Indonesia

The Batak house, in particular that of the Toba Bataks, is a wooden building of a particularly bold construction. Heavy planks form the walls, and the roof rises high and slopes inwards towards tile centre. The facade, also of wood, is decorated with carving, in which the spiral motif is die dominant feature. In this case the influence of the Dong-Son style is clearly manifest, and coloring helps to enliven the general appearance of the building. In the case of the Toba Bataks- the so-called singa figure is characteristic. This is a stylized head of a mythical being which is affixed to the house to ward off evil spirits.

The houses of the Toradja likewise are imposing in their manner of construction. With the Toradja in particular the ridge of the roof raises high up both in front and at the back culminating in a projection which juts far out and thus forms a sort of porch. This projection of there of is frequently supported by a broad post and horizontal beams. Both this post and the faqade of the house are decorated with coloured carvings. The arrangement oi a great many motifs is strictly geometrical, not unlike those on bamboo objects. But in addition the spiral may also be found.

Occasionally human and animal figures of a more naturalistic type are incorporated, thus accent iiating the magic character of the entire decoration. On the stake referred to or on the facade a stylized head of a kerabau is affixed, for the East Indian buffalo plays an important part in the life of the Toradja tribe. The social status of the owner is determined by the amount of cattle he possesses. The sacrifice of these animals plays a special role in ceremonial customs, and above all in funeral rites.

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