Pair of Mythical Lions (Vyala)
Pair of Mythical Lions (Vyala)
Place of OriginIndia, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh
Date11th century
Dimensions31 × 9 1/2 × 7 1/2 in. (78.7 × 24.1 × 19.1 cm)
MediumCarved red sandstone.
ClassificationSculpture
Credit LineGift of the Popplestone Family
Object number
2008.194
Not on View
DescriptionMythical lion known as vyala or yali with attendant figures below. One of a pair. Lion's head faces proper left.
Label TextOriginally part of the sculptural decoration of a Hindu temple in either northwest or central India, these mythical creatures, called vyala, would have functioned as guardian figures for the temple entrance. Usually depicted with the body of a lion and the head of another animal, these vyala have elephant heads.early 17th century
Shunga Dynasty (185-75 BCE)
about 490 BCE
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