Singa (mythology)

It is variedly represented, but always has an elongated face, with big bulging eyes, a well-defined nose, and long spiraling beard.

The Batak term singa has a predominantly magical - rather than zoological - meaning, so it does not symbolize a lion, but Nāga or Boru Saniang Naga, the primeval water serpent from the Hindu-Buddhist mythology.

[2][3][4] Images of singa are carved in various objects such as domestic utensils, medicine containers, jewelries, amulets, wood coffins, stone sarcophagi, barns, and Batak traditional houses.

One of the major features of Hindu-Buddhist architecture in Java and Bali is the ubiquitous kirtimukha over arches and doorways.

It was during the period of the Aparajita style at the beginning of the ninth century, that these Batak version of kirtimukha - called singhamugam - appeared in full relief.