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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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