Huta Bolon Simanindo Museum, Traditional Batak museum on Samosir Island, Indonesia.
Huta Bolon Simanindo Museum occupies a traditional Batak house with a distinctive saddle-shaped roof made of thatched sugar palm fiber and supported by wooden stilts. The structure houses cultural artifacts and a dedicated performance space for traditional presentations.
The building originally served as the residence of Raja Sidauruk, a Batak ruler, before being converted into a museum in 1969. This transformation opened the former royal dwelling to the public.
Daily dance performances showcase Toba Batak traditions through movement, music, and costume, keeping these customs alive for audiences to experience directly. The rituals and artistic styles reflect values that remain central to the community's identity.
The museum is open daily, and the entrance is easily accessible as the building sits prominently on the island. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for the rhythm of performances that occur throughout the day.
The museum houses the Sigale Gale, a wooden puppet representing a deceased prince that performs ceremonial dances in a traditional canoe setting. This figure exemplifies a rare Batak art form that few visitors encounter elsewhere.
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