Narasimha, Vishnu’s Man-Lion Avatar
In this extraordinary mask ensemble, the crowned head of Narasimha is accompanied by a body suit with six articulated arms. The stage presence of the actor who wore this ensemble, fully absorbed into the role of the ferocious man-lion avatar, would have been awesome when seen on the dimly lit stage during the all-night performance. The paint on this mask was refreshed each year for ritual use, and each forearm of the body suit has a cavity into which talismanic objects were sealed to enhance the efficacy of Narasimha’s representation on stage.
Artwork Details
- Title: Narasimha, Vishnu’s Man-Lion Avatar
- Date: ca. 1700–1750
- Culture: Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district
- Medium: Wood with cloth and polychrome
- Dimensions: H. (with stand) 47 1/2 in. (120.7 cm); W. 40 in. (101.6 cm ); D. 20 in. (50.8 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift and The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundation Fund, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.255.1a–f
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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India (Tamil Nadu)
late 17th–early 18th century
India, Deccan, Aurangabad (?)
late 18th century
Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district
ca. 1700–1750
Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district
ca. 1700–1750
Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district
ca. 1700–1750
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