INDONESIAN BATAK "HOMBUNG" WOODEN BED CHEST LATE 1800S Start Price USD 5,500.00 Current Price USD 5,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price USD 6,000.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, November 19, 2008 End Time Monday, November 24, 2008 Location Ubud, Bali See more about 'INDONESIAN BATAK "HOMBUNG" WOODEN BED CHEST LATE 1800S' Description INDONESIAN BATAK "HOMBUNG" WOODEN COFFER BED CHEST Origin: Batak, SumatraMaterial: WoodCirca: Late 19th CenturyThe Hombung’s are large wooden chests that were used to store valuable family heirlooms including jewelry and textiles. These pieces also served as beds for the oldest males of the clan who would protect the valuables as they slept through the night. Hombungs were prized possessions whose size, shape and ornamentation mirrored the status of the owner. This piece is rather large at just 184cm. long.The front of the chest features classical Singa heads. The Singa is the mythical creature of the Indonesian Batak people who live in the mountains in Sumatra. Although the name means "lion", it resembles no living creature. Its representation, generally confined to the head, is the synthesis of several superior forms of creation and its appearance varies between the buffalo and a distorted human figures. Characteristics are invariable the bilateral symmetry, the lengthened face, and round impressive eyes as seen in this piece. The Singa is the dominant theme of Batak decoration, particularly among the Toba Batak where it is to be found on houses, domestic utensils, wooden coffins, stone sarcophagi, copper jewelry, etc. Its omnipresence would seem to indicate above all a protective role. Each side of the chest is hand-crafted from a single thick plank of dense tropical wood. The top and bottom consist of interlocking planks, with peg hinges for the lid. Note #1: Condition: This piece has been maintained by the local Batak people. It is evident throughout the piece that this repair has been done using primitive methods. It has not been professionally restored. Note #2: The piece does have a chip on the back top edge of the lid, clearly visible in picture #7.Note #3: Note: The insured freight and shipping costs will be $125. and will be paid by the buyer. Additionally, FedEx and DHL are available to the buyer, but it would be the responsibility of the buyer to pay for these additional costs. Place a Bid!