Batak lizard carved door, Sumatra, Indonesia Late... Lot 50

Batak lizard carved door, Sumatra, Indonesia Late 19th - early 20th century Wood H. 91.5 cm - L. 55 cm Descendants of Si Raja Batak, who arrived on the island of Sumatra 2,500 years ago from North Asia (Mongolia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, etc.), the Batak Toba are one of six Batak groups on the island of Sumatra. Their name is said to come from Marco Polo, who referred to them as "Batech", meaning "wild, polytheistic warriors". Imposing rectangular door, most probably the former door of a Toba "sopo". The upper part of this type of building was used as a granary for family rice, while the lower part served as a meeting place for the men. The lizard motif, depicted here in an almost naturalistic, monumental manner, sculpted in high relief, with fine decorative incisions all over its body, was named by the Batak Ilik. He appealed to the divinity Boraspati ni Tano to grant protection and benevolence to the harvest stored in the granary. Its considerable size is matched by its symbolism of protection. Beautiful patina.