Lintel with Kala Relief
Sculpture
c. 10th century (made)
c. 10th century (made)
Volcanic Stone, Central Java
Object details
| Object type | |
| Title | Lintel with Kala Relief (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Volcanic Stone |
| Brief description | Volcanic Stone, Central Java |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | Door Lintel
900–1000
The face depicted here, called the kala face, is a protective
emblem guarding the enclosure within from evil forces.
It is derived from the Indian kirttimukha, an emanation of
the Hindu deity Shiva. The kala face is often found on the
architecture of central Java, in both Hindu and Buddhist
contexts.
Volcanic stone
Indonesia (Central Java)
Museum no. IS. 28-1987(14/06/2011) |
| Historical context | In the Hindu-Buddhist architecture of central Java the kala face is a universal motif, appearing over doorways and blind arches. The kala (Indian kirttimukha) is of south Indian derivation. It serves as a protective presence, guarding the enclosure from the forces of evil. This lintel would have served over a narrow doorway, the foliate design continuing down the doorjams. The absence of a lower jaw and the stylised foliage point to a central Javanese provenance. |
| Production | Central Java, Indonesia |
| Subject depicted | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.28-1987 |
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| Record created | February 13, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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