Bali Singha statue.

Bali Singha statue

SOLD.

Contact: mulia.santoso@gmail.com

HP:0818182628

BB:79FA52CA

The lion, singa in Indonesian, is an ancient Indian symbol of sovereignty and protection, which was for instance adopted by Buddhists. Buddhism preceded Hinduism on Java and was included in the Balinese Hindu-Buddhist syncretic iconography. The word sing(h)a originates from the Sanskrit simha and must have been introduced by Indian travelers and monks as the lion is not indigenous to Indonesia.

The singha statues on Bali are always winged and adorned temples, pura, as guardians. This lion shares his ferocious countenance with Garuda, the mythical sun eagle, usually depicted standing with spread out wings and raised tail. Whereas the singha also serves to support pillars, Garuda often sits on the beam. Both are symbolically linked as king-guardians of earth and sky respectively.

This singha radiates a truly fierce temperament with spiky manes, raised ears and curled tail in red, green, black with gilded details; he is most likely a North Balinese free standing guardian figure.