Featured Batak Carving

Discussion in 'Tribal Art' started by Toba, Nov 21, 2018.

  1. Toba

    Toba Active Member

    IMG_20181121_104047452~3.jpg IMG_20181121_104105621~3.jpg The Batak on Samosir, Indonesia are famous for their carving ability, usually tribal images - intricate staffs, panels showing village life, musicsl instruments, masks. I don't own many, but I'll post this one just because I like it so much and have never seen another like it. I'm definitely no expert, but it appears to be from 30 or more years ago, judging from the fading and style of dress. I think of this statue as folk art really, and comical too. The Batak used to head hunt. And were occasional canibals. This one appears to be wearing bad drag. Anybody been to the Folk Art Museum in NYC? That's what I immediately thought of when I bought this.
     
  2. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Yes, I would class it as folk art. Looks like her skirt is turning into a bird.

    It reminds me a bit of some 1950s Madurese folk carved keris hilts I have. One of them is a dog, but the Madurese being staunch Muslims don't know what a dog looks like. It looks like a horse with some dog-like features.:D
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2018
  3. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Being biased that way, I thought maybe she was standing on a tortoise & was turning into one.
     
  4. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

  5. scoutshouse

    scoutshouse Well-Known Member

    Because: Turtles!

    Almost looks like she's meant to be picked up by her skirt and elbow. Or she's got a snake secreted in that skirt.

    I love it <3
     
  6. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Maybe she's trying to avoid a Marilyn Monroe moment.
     
  7. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Venus Urania (Celestial Venus):

    upload_2018-11-21_11-36-32.png
     
  8. tie.dye.cat

    tie.dye.cat Well-Known Member

    That is such a strange way she's holding her skirt with her hand.

    From the back it almost looks like a hand reaching up from under the skirt to grab her hand.

    Either that, or it's an elephant trunk sticking out. :smuggrin:
    .
     
  9. tie.dye.cat

    tie.dye.cat Well-Known Member

    And that face! How did I miss that face!?! She looks madder than a wet hen.

    Maybe cause she has an elephant under her skirt?
     
  10. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Think what that side of her dress would look like if she let the hem drop. Love the Minnie Mouse shoes.
     
  11. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Maybe she voted for Hillary.
     
  12. tie.dye.cat

    tie.dye.cat Well-Known Member

    Haa, I didn't even think of that! Too funny.
     
    Christmasjoy, i need help and Bronwen like this.
  13. Toba

    Toba Active Member

    Thanks all! I think she's dressed for church.
     
    tie.dye.cat and i need help like this.
Draft saved Draft deleted
Similar Threads: Batak Carving
Forum Title Date
Tribal Art Batak Rider? Dec 29, 2018
Tribal Art Unusual African Carving Wednesday at 9:27 AM
Tribal Art Western Red Cedar Flute & Bone Carving; FB '97' Mark: NA? Monday at 4:03 PM
Tribal Art Mini 1" Carving artist signed - unsure of material Feb 27, 2024
Tribal Art Need help to identify an African wood carving Dec 28, 2023

Share This Page