Architect's Plummet

ca. 12th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 242

This plummet, used to determine perpendicular lines, is a rare example of a surveying tool associated with temple building in Sri Lanka. Its elaborate ornamentation attests to the importance attached to temple building, and the protective presence of a mythological kirrtimuhka face underscores the sacred nature of the activity.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Architect's Plummet
Date: ca. 12th century
Culture: Sri Lanka, Pollonnaruva
Medium: Copper alloy, iron armature
Dimensions: H. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm)
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Gift of Barry Fernando, M.D. and Coleene Fernando, M.D., 2009
Object Number: 2009.292
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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