Large Balinese Two-Sided Carved Wooden Pillar Base (Sendi Tugeh)

This superbly carved wooden block from the the Hindu island of Bali in Indonesia would have served as a pillar base (sendi tugeh) probably at an entrance of an open-walled pavilion, most probably in a temple compound.

Of great sculptural beauty, it has a tapering form. Both sides have been elaborately carved in high relief with monster heads known as karang bhoma. The figures have extravagant winged floral  headdresses, bulging eyes, fanged teeth, and hands. Each rests on a rocky outcrop ( karang batu).

The pillar base has been decorated with red and other polychrome colours.

The top of the support has a square cavity to allow the post to be inserted.

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

The example here has a superb patina consistent with considerable age.