Balustrade Ornament
Balustrade Ornament
Place of OriginCambodia, likely from Angkor
Dateabout 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.early 12th century
3rd to 1st century BCE
early 17th century
11th century
11th century
Gupta Period (320-647), about 600
Shunga Dynasty (185-75 BCE)
about 1200
about 1250
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