Balinese Carved Wooden Pillar Base (Sendi Tugeh)

This well-carved wooden block from the Hindu island of Bali in Indonesia will have been intended to serve as a pillar base (sendi tugeh) at an entrance of an open-walled pavilion, most probably in a temple compound.

Of much sculptural beauty, all four sides have been elaborately carved in high relief and coloured in red, black and white ochres, and gold highlights.

The sides are carved with stylised karang tapel monster mask motifs amid copious foliage including triangular mas-masan motifs.

A square cavity on top allows the post to be secured.

See Ramseyer (1977, fig. 97 & 98) for related sendi tugeh with similar karang motifs.

The example here has a good patina consistent with considerable age. It is elaborate, sculptural and highly decorative.

 

Above: A related sendi tugeh displayed in the Bali Museum, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.

 

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