Makara, anonymous, c. 800 - c. 900

Makara, anonymous, c. 800 - c. 900

volcanic stone (andesite), h 97.0cm × w 99.0cm × d 37.0cm × w 322kg More details

The makara is a mythical creature associated with water. In Central Java, they often stood guard at temple entrances. This example has the muzzle of a dragon, the trunk of an elephant and the horns of a ram. Seated on the tongue of its wide-open mouth is a lion.

On display in Asian pavilion, room 1 Visit via the Highlights Asian Pavilion tour

Listen to audio fragment (from the multimedia tour)

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