Gorga

Tradition and innovation should not be contradictory to each other. Our society is evolving, and so should tradition. Tradition will be in danger of extinction and become out of context if we treat it as a static value. Instead, we should help tradition integrate into our current lives by refining it and making it more approachable and applicable for the next generation. This has been the theme of this memorial park and my main message to our local collaborators in creating a modern version of Batak art and sculpture.

So, we experimented to innovate something that has never been done before, but we still maintain the sense of DNA coming from the original Batak aesthetics and values. The proportion of the main triangle of the roof follows that of traditional Batak houses. Just like a traditional house, there is also a ‘gorga’ in the front and backside of the roof fascia. However, we have created a new type of ‘gorga’ pattern in monotone concrete natural color. 

At the front of the building, there is a main panel with Gorga Ulu Paung at the center, in the form of half human and half animal, as a symbol of shelter, power, strength, hope for a son, and bravery. Gorga Ulu Paung is surrounded by traditional Toba writings, signifying those who are in the tomb, and a Bible verse taken from 2 Timothy 4:7. On the left and right sides of the cross, there are two lizard-shaped sculptures known as Gorga Boraspati, which are typically found on the left and right sides of traditional Batak houses, symbolizing survival, easy adaptation, loyalty, wealth, peace, and honesty* (citation needed).

Outside of the writings, Gorga is used to express the three main philosophical concepts of life and values among the Batak people: ‘Hamoraon’ (prosperity), ‘Hagabeon’ (successful offspring), and ‘Hasangapon’ (honor). ‘Hasangapon’ is symbolized by ‘Piso Halasan’, a traditional sword that represents power for kings and leaders. ‘Hagabeon’ is symbolized by ‘Sijagaron’, a basket containing a few elements that represent having an abundance of offspring. ‘Hamoraon’ is symbolized by ‘Hombung/Sondi’, a bed made of specific wood, typically reserved for wealthy individuals.