House Guardian ‘Pagar’

Toba-Batak, North Sumatra, Indonesia

19th century

Wood

47cm Tall

Provenance:

Private German Collection

Thomas Murray, California

Brian Williams, Massachusetts

Ancient and worn from standing outside for decades, this figure is certainly within the guardian figure type known as ‘Pagar’. These named spirits would be employed by families to watch over homes. This example was likely cut from a larger staff that likely was driven into the ground.