Male ancestor figure

Abstract

<p>Lake Toba in the highlands of North Sumatra is the mythical home of six ethnic groups known as the Batak, of which the Toba are the most numerous. Toba villages are distinguished by three-level houses with boat-shaped roofs and façade ornaments that depict the composite mythical animal called <i>singa.</i> Textiles-which once derived a severe elegance from a restricted palette of dark blue, maroon red, and white-are essential elements of Batak social and religious life. Sculpture includes a variety of representations of the human figure; most are associated with an ancestral presence and the potential to protect or inflict harm. One of these occurs in male and female pairs, which are said to represent the ancestral couple (<i>debata idup</i>). The two figures were often bound together with a third sculpture, as this one was bound originally. They formed a trinity that was preserved in the upper level of the house of the lineage founder. Only a privileged few could see or touch them.</p><p>In characteristic Batak style, this figure stands erect, his abstract body depicted frontally. The legs are slightly flexed, the feet square, with incised lines suggesting toes. The holes at the elbow area of each arm probably once supported forearms with large hands. It is likely that the figure wore a cloth around the hips and a turbanlike headdress. As with other examples, the head was the sculptor's primary focus. Seen from the front, the watchful eyes and wide mouth suggest benevolence, while the angularity of the profile evokes and inherent dark side.</p><p><i>Dallas Museum of Art: A Guide to the Collection,</i> page 61</p>; Full View