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Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul
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Bracket with a female riding a fantastic creature, 1st–2nd century A.D.
Afghanistan, Begram
Ivory; 11 7/8 in. (30 cm)
National Museum of Afghanistan, Kabul, 04.1.116
Photo: © Thierry Ollivier / Musée Guimet
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Rearing dramatically, the composite creature that forms this bracket has the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and the beak of a bird of prey. Known as a sardula in Indian art, this beast may be derived from the griffin of Greek and Roman art. While either tradition could have contributed this powerful animal to the repertory of the Begram ivories, the treatment of the female rider clearly points to India. Artistic traditions from India are also seen in the small figure supporting the front paws of the beast, one of the earth spirits known as yakshas, while the crocodile-like figure with the yawning mouth is the makara, which is symbolic of the powers of water.
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