Lintel with Yama

Title
Lintel with Yama
Year/Period
Banteay Srei style, 12th-13th century
Region
Cambodia
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: L 153.5 x W 23.5 x H 66.5
Accession No.
1999-00142

This carved lintel depicts Yama, the Hindu Guardian of the South and God of Death, who rides a buffalo. Below it, is the Kala (face of glory), a protective symbol that is often found over doorways at Hindu temples. A two-headed lion (simha) emerges from the Kala spewing forth floral garlands. This deeply carved foliage is typical of the intricate Banteay Srei art style. Banteay Srei (City of Beauty) is the temple dedicated to Shiva that was built in Angkor in the 10th century.