Balustrade Ornament

Place of OriginCambodia

DateClassic Khmer Period (802 -1431), 1100-1200

Dimensions51 1/2 × 30 1/2 × 43 1/2 in. (130.8 × 77.5 × 110.5 cm)

MediumSandstone

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1929.23

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 35

DescriptionThis sandstone terminal capped a temple balustrade, depicting Garuda, a bird-headed figure, seated atop a coiled, many-headed Naga.

Label TextElaborate sculptures such as this are familiar sights at most Khmer temples, where they function as the end of balustrades, or railings (see illustration). This image of the bird Garuda, the animal associated with the Hindu god Vishnu, sits astride Naga, a serpent deity who dwells in water. “Garuda” means “devourer” and he was once identified with the all-consuming fire of the sun. He is also the leader of a mythic feathered race who ruled the sky and fought against the nagas, who inhabited the earth.