Northern India / c. 1000s
Pediment with the Face of Glory (Kirti-mukha)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Pediment with the Face of Glory (Kirti-mukha) as sculpture (Northern India · c. 1000s).
Irises and pupils have been lightly incised into the bulging eyes.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as sandstone.
The museum's collection notes: Throughout India, sculptures of horned mythic beasts spewing stylized foliage were built into temples, above the entryways, in line with the sanctum. Known as the “face ( mukha ) of glory ( kirti ),” the protective mask emanates divine energy from the heart of the temple. The scrolling vegetation flowing from the mouth visually references the unending bounty and success that derives from worship and devotions.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPediment with the Face of Glory (Kirti-mukha)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.