Artefact name: Lintel with Yama riding on a buffalo [Figure 1]

Material: Sandstone

Country: Cambodia

Date: 12th or 13th century

Style: Banteay Srei

Lintel with Yama riding on a buffalo[Figure 1]

The lintel is rectangular and looks heavy because of its size. Its tan colour is due to the retention of the original sandstone colour. The texture looks rough probably because of the embossed effect caused by the deep relief technique. It is constructed with three figures in the centre and a symmetry of detailed foliage motifs. The lintel is generally intact, with slight corrosion around the edges.

The main features that attract attention are the central three figures. The crowned figure sitting on an animal, probably a buffalo because of the distinct features of horns, is surrounded by an aura, created by manipulating depth through the deep relief technique, which makes him more prominently raised from the surface. He is atop a monster, probably a lion due to its teeth, biting two other monsters discharging floral garlands from their mouths. The position of the crowned figure over the monsters suggest his power and ‘god’ identity. This crowned figure is most probably Yama, a god of death and guardian of the south of the Khmer temple, as his vehicle is a buffalo in Hinduism. The portrayal of a crowned god sitting on a buffalo standing on top showing his victory is similar to Durga with a lion standing on top of the buffalo demon.

The lintel’s carvings emit a scary, powerful aura and might act as either a reminder to worshippers entering a holy place that they will be judged by the gods or a visual narrative to educate visitors.

(249 words)

SelfieA photo with the artefact

 

Bibliography:

Lintel with Yama Riding on a Buffalo – Asian Civilisations Museum.” , 2016. Accessed August 25, 2016. https://discover.acm.stqry.com/v/lintel-with-yama-riding-on-a-buffalo/s/3ca1a481-cfe3-479f-81ac-b0aa996bc9e4.