Entryways are key points that require spiritual as well as physical protection to keep out danger and negative influences and safeguard those inside. This particular entrance protects by invoking the powers of the natural and spiritual world. The ferocious tiger conjures up the brute strength of nature while fierce raksasas (mythical giants), invoke powerful supernatural forces. The magnificent bird image probably represents Garuda or his brother Jetayu, either being powerful mythological creature. Human guards in Dutch-Javanese style colonial uniforms these also demonstrate the hybrid nature of Javanese court culture of the period.
