Gupolo

Location: 129 Jarvis Street
Date photo taken: 17 March 2013
Image 2 in the Figures Series

This figure is called Gupolo and it is a common site in front of houses or government offices in Java. Its purpose is to protect the building and those inside from evil spirits. The snake being held by the figure represents the power of evil, which the Gupolo has mastered.

This particular figure is one of two that sit in front of the Consulate General building for the Republic of Indonesia on Jarvis St. The building opened in 1994 but Toronto has had an Indonesian consulate since 1982.