simhamuka

Indonesian

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Sanskrit सिंहमुख (siṃhamukha, “simhamukha”, literally “lion's mouth”). By surface analysis, singa (“lion”) +‎ muka (“face”), literally “the face of lion”.

Noun

simhamuka (plural simhamuka-simhamuka)

  1. (architecture, archaeology) giant relief with bulging eyes and long fangs in the form of a scary-looking head, usually placed above the door of a house and believed to contain magical powers to protect the building, usually used above temple doors or in front of ancient buildings, believed to ward off evil influences
    Synonym: kala

Further reading

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