St. Francis of Assisi Church

In Berastagi, a small town in the North Sumatra Province of Indonesia sits a building that was constructed in the same style as Batak Karo traditional houses of the area, topped with an intricate multi-tiered pointed roof. The tip of the roof that is traditionally decorated with buffalo horns is replaced by angel statues, showing clear evidence of inculturation between Christianity and the local Batak Toba culture. Upon closer look, you might notice a crucifix on the top of the structure as the building is actually a Catholic Church.

Written By: Ellie Hoffman