작품 상세

Tikbalang signed and dated 5-26-77 bronze without base: H: 15 1/2" (39 cm) L: 16" (41 cm) W: 12" (30 cm) with base: H: 43 1/2" (110 cm) L: 18 1/2" (46 cm) W: 18 3/4" (48 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Ms. Pearl Saprid confirming the authenticity of this lot Combining art, culture, and literature, Solomon Saprid’s 1977 depicts an amalgamation of local mythology about a half-man, half-horse creature and a foreign legend about a man with a flute who allegedly lured children to their demise. In Philippine mythology, Tikbalangs are nocturnal creatures that are often found lurking in dark forests. These creatures were said to have incredible speed and a mischievous nature, which is likely to cause trouble for those who cross their path and lead travelers astray. There are many other tales and beliefs surrounding these mythical beings, but all portray them as treacherous and malevolent. The Pied Piper of Hamelin, on the other hand, is a wellknown German folktale about a piper in pied clothing (hence the name) who officials hired to rid the town of Hamelin of rats. He successfully got rid of the rodents with his hypnotic tunes. However, upon the town’s refusal to pay for his services, he used his music to lure children out of town, and they vanished, presumed dead. In modern times, a pied piper is a person or charismatic leader who tricks and leads people astray, often to their downfall. It is also a term that symbolizes manipulation and the dangers of blind obedience. In this 1977 rendition of his revered Tikbalang, Saprid highlighted the creature’s wit and deceptive nature by incorporating the legend of the Pied Piper. Here, he portrayed his tikbalang in a halfkneeling position, hands expertly holding a flute to his lips as he plays a melodious tune and waits for his victims to take the bait. (Jessica Magno)