Pair of Mythical Lions (Vyala)

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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.